Monash University Flight Emissions Offset Program Q&As

As part of the University’s Net Zero Transport Initiative, we’re pleased to introduce the Flight Emissions Offset Program. Monash is committed to investing in high-quality carbon-removal offsets to negate the effect of transport emissions, and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030 in order to create and sustain a future in which our planet can thrive. 

Nutrip questions

Will there be any changes to the work flow or functionality in Nutrip?

There are no changes to workflow. Carbon offsets will be automatically calculated and added to the budget based on the destination and travel type information added by the user.

Can I turn off the offset calculation or delete this from my trip plan?

No. The carbon offset calculation is not editable or able to be deleted.

Are FCM Travel affected by this change?

No. There are no changes to the relationship we have with FCM Travel.

Will the carbon emission costs be allocated to all travel related activities?

No. Initially, the carbon costs will be allocated to air travel only. This may change in the future.

How does the system allocate the costs to the Cost Centre/Fund Code and how will I be able to identify these costs?

The default Cost Centre/Fund Code of the traveller will be applied to the Carbon Levy Cost.

If Monash University is not paying for the flights will the Carbon Levy still be applied?

If you are travelling on approved Monash University sanctioned business, the Carbon Levy will be applied irrespective of the funding source (even when a "third party" is paying for the flights).

What happens when a research fund is charged for the Carbon Levy in Nutrip?

Before the Cost Centre and Fund Code are charged, research fund codes are removed and replaced with the Monash University "General Fund".

Emissions Offset questions

Can I find out more about Monash’s Integrity Principles for Carbon Offsetting?

Yes, you can. Read more about why Monash has Integrity Principles for Carbon Offsetting and what they cover.

How are offsets calculated?

Emissions generated from flights are automatically calculated in Nutrip when staff input their air travel departure and arrival locations. Nutrip uses a formula based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) carbon emissions calculator. The methodology uses publicly available industry data to take into account various factors such as aircraft types, route-specific data, passenger and cargo load factors.

How are offsets purchased?

A monthly report will be generated for travel that has been approved in Nutrip. The emissions generated will have equivalent offsets purchased from our offset providers. The Faculty/Division linked to the staff member will be charged for the offsets purchased for their travel.

Can I purchase my own offsets instead of using an approved University provider?

No, there is an automated process in Nutrip to purchase offsets for flight emissions for all staff air travel. Simplifying the purchasing of offsets will allow us to track and report flight emissions offsets more efficiently and accurately.

What percentage of flight emissions will be offset?

100 per cent of flight emissions from all staff travel will be offset from 2024. Flight emissions are calculated from the emissions created through the burning of aviation fuel in the atmosphere. The flight emissions calculation does not include emissions from airport operations and other associated air travel activities.

Can I offset all my travel emissions, not just flights?

At the moment we are only offsetting flight emissions. For most travel via air the most significant portion of emissions generated is from burning aviation fuel. Other methods of transportation, such as train or car, generated much less emissions (due to being more efficient and/or much shorter distance travelled). As more accurate methods of calculating all travel emissions become available we may include offsetting other types of travel emissions.

How much will my flight offsets cost?

The calculation is done automatically in Nutrip. However, if you’d like to estimate your flight emissions before booking, you can use the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator. Simply calculate your emissions, convert kilograms to tonnes, and multiply by $36 per tonne.

From 1 June 2025, the carbon levy will increase to $36 per tonne to reflect the cost of offsets purchased through Greenfleet and a diversified portfolio of high-integrity projects.

A sample of levies for economy return flights from Melbourne:

Can Monash students offset their travel emissions?
Initially, the flight emissions offset program only applies to staff air travel that is paid for by the University. If students wish to, they can purchase offsets for their travel directly from Greenfleet.

Have another question about travel emissions? 

For staff travel enquiries, visit the Monash Travel page or contact traveloffice@monash.edu.

For emissions calculation questions you can contact the Net Zero team: netzero@monash.edu