- Global SAF supply constraints (less than 1% of global commercial aviation fuel usage).
- Price premium for SAF compared to conventional jet fuel.
- Lack of consistency among regulations governing single-use plastics.
- Potential impacts of climate change on operations and infrastructure (extreme weather, flooding, heat stress).
- Uncertainty about non-CO2 emissions impact of aviation.
- Potential litigation related to “greenwashing” claims.
- Limitations of SAF technology and availability.
- Costs associated with improving fleet fuel efficiency.
- Potential shifts in stakeholder preferences and reduced demand for air travel.
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, United Airlines Holdings, Inc. disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 49.4M tCO2e/year. By scope: Scope 1: 36.6M tCO2e/year; Scope 2: 144.0K tCO2e/year; Scope 3: 12.7M tCO2e/year. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
49.4M tCO2e/year
2023
Water Usage
429 m3/year
2023
Waste
59.0K tons/year
2023
Energy Use
434.8K MWh/year
2023
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 36.6M tCO2e/year |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 144.0K tCO2e/year |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 12.7M tCO2e/year |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 49.4M tCO2e/year |
| 2022 | 43.9M tCO2e/year |
| 2020 | 15.7M tCO2e/year |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Launched the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight FundSM to support SAF research, technology, and production.
- Used an SAF blend at two new airports (London Heathrow and Los Angeles).
- Reduced severe injuries by 7.2%
- Reduced severe ergonomic injuries by 4% compared to 2022.
- Decreased reports of head bump injuries by 71% due to mandatory bump cap requirement for aircraft maintenance employees.
- More than doubled SAF usage in 2023 compared to 2022.
- Electrified more than 35% of United’s total ground support equipment fleet.
- Purchased more than a thousand pieces of electric equipment and spent $6M to install more than 350 new charging ports across its network in 2023.
- Achieved LEED Gold certification for LAX Technical Operations Center and LEED Silver for Willis Tower Corporate Support Center.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce water consumption by 10% by 2025 (implied)
📅 Medium-term
- Reduce carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2035 compared to 2019.
- Supply 3 billion gallons of SAF domestically by 2030 (SAF Grand Challenge)
🔭 Long-term
- Net zero GHG emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
SafetyEnvironmental sustainabilityPeople and human capital managementCommunitySupply chain integrityCybersecurityGovernance