Can our department/claimants purchase 3rd party carbon offsets instead of participating in the University’s Air Travel Emissions Initiative?

Due to a variety of challenges with offset markets, such as the transparency of projects and overstated reductions, the university does not purchase or encourage the purchase of third-party offsets for air travel emissions.

The university’s carbon offset fee still applies regardless of whether a 3^rd party carbon offset is charged (e.g., when charged by the airline).

Please note that any third-party carbon offset expense must meet the criteria outlined in the Guide to Financial Management Policy (GTFM) that governs travel and other reimbursable items (i.e. is it reasonable, necessary, legitimate and appropriate for the activity) or granting agency policy, whichever imposes the strictest guidelines.

Questions?

---

Learn More:

• Change Management Resource page – Air Travel Emissions Mitigation Initiative (ATEMI)
• Documentation & Support page – Expense Reimbursements
• Documentation & Support page – Invoices

---

Last Updated:  January 23, 2024