Effective July 1, 2021, a Climate Impact Offset (CLIO) charge is applied to Penn business travel, whether the travel is booked or expensed through Concur, the University’s travel management system. This new program, included in Procurement Policy 2371, formalizes the University’s commitment to sustainable travel and is in alignment with Penn Compact 2022 and Penn’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 (CSAP 3.0).

The fees that will be collected as part of this initiative ($11 for domestic flights and $25 for international flights) are an important part of the University’s strategy to address activities such as the carbon emissions resulting from air travel. Penn is taking a careful and targeted approach to carbon offsets, which broadly refers to any activity that leads to a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases to compensate for emissions made somewhere else. Carbon offsets are often described as a practical and effective way to address climate change and encourage the growth of renewable energy. 

Initially, CLIOs will counteract air travel emissions by purchasing offsets from a market provider.  The University will also be seeking to invest the proceeds in verified carbon offset projects, like improving air quality, reducing urban heat island effect, and improving economic conditions locally. 

With the creation of CLIOs, and through the ongoing management of Penn’s Travel Sustainability Fund, the University will continue to engage Penn’s faculty, staff, and students in the pursuit of addressing Penn’s carbon footprint.  

To learn more about Penn’s Air Travel Sustainability efforts, visit the Penn Travel & Expense Management website at www.upenn.edu/penntravel. For questions, please contact travel@upenn.edu.