Decarbonising air travel in higher education institutions: a systematic literature review

Purpose Given the increasing significance of decarbonising air travel in higher education institutions (HEIs), this paper aims to systematically review the available literature to identify and analyse the main strategies used in categorising and managing air travel displacements, addressing the associated impacts, organisational and individual responsibilities and the emergence of specific policies. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative, theoretical and descriptive approach using a systematic literature review to identify and analyse strategies for categorising and managing HEIs’ air travel displacements. The research follows eight steps, including review planning, conducting (using the Web of Science as the primary database) and reporting. The search was based on keywords related to sustainability assessment, HEIs and air travel. Findings The findings identify three main fields of analysis of decarbonisation by air travel in HEIs: estimation and control of emissions, considering institutional, individual and event-related emissions, as well as academic, student and administrative functions; Drive factors that boost air travel in HEIs, at individual and organisational levels; and institutional barriers to promoting the decarbonisation of air travel in HEIs, categorised as restrictive, incentivising or organisational change type of actions. Originality/value This paper offers a comprehensive examination of policies, barriers and drivers influencing emissions from air travel within HEIs. It synthesises relevant topics on emissions analysis, flight behaviour and policies for reducing, mitigating and compensating emissions. The study provides valuable insights for defining policies for decarbonising air travel in HEIs. It advances the understanding of the limits related to Scope 3 emissions, identifying leading indicators and metrics.