Purpose This study aims to account for the business travel-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of a department of sustainability science at a geographically isolated Finnish university and examines how the department may lead the way in climate action. Design/methodology/approach Data related to business travel of 65 department staff members were collected and compared to similar data for the entire university for the calendar year 2023. Four scenarios for possible climate actions were developed and presented to the staff in a survey to gauge the level of action that could be achieved in the future. Findings The study found that the department’s travel-related emissions account for 3% of the total university emissions despite it representing 5% of the staff. Staff showed an inclination towards adopting more aggressive climate actions, particularly in reducing air travel and increasing the use of low-carbon transport options. Findings suggest that green academics are aware of the environmental impacts of their travel and are willing to take meaningful steps to mitigate these impacts. Practical implications The methodology developed and recommendations from this study can guide the development of effective policies and practices to reduce travel-related emissions across the entire university community and other institutions facing similar challenges. Originality/value This study analyses business travel-related GHG emissions focusing on improved data accuracy and completeness for a sustainability science department and challenges previous conclusions that green academics do not differ from others in their business travel behaviour. It also examines the role of accommodation-related emissions and shows there are different attitudes towards travel within an academic community that impact preferences for different travel modes.
Child et al. (Fri,) studied this question.