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The voluntary programme allows customers worldwide to view the carbon footprint of their booked itinerary, which Sustainable Travel International calculates from fuel consumption of Continental's aircraft, and to make a contribution to Sustainable Travel International.

Proceeds from customer contributions to Sustainable Travel International fund the purchase of carbon offsets, which are generated from high-impact sustainable development projects that are designed to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Sustainable Travel International provides carbon offset projects, located all over the world, which are independently verified or certified by third-party sources.

The airline says it has achieved an almost 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption per mainline revenue passenger mile flown over the past 10 years. This is due in large part to streamlining operational procedures and to an investment of more than $12 billion to acquire 270 fuel-efficient aircraft and related equipment.

"Having a high-profile, high-quality offset programme available to Continental's customers is a significant step for mainstreaming carbon offsetting in air travel," explained Brian T. Mullis, President of Sustainable Travel International. "When combined with energy efficiency, greater use of renewable resources, waste reduction and thoughtful consumption, offsetting offers a solid strategy for addressing concerns associated with climate change."

Customers who choose to participate in the carbon offsetting programme may contribute to one of four project portfolios:

• Gold Standard emission reduction projects managed by MyClimate, which are renewable energy and energy efficiency projects validated, registered and verified following Clean Development Mechanism principles under the Kyoto Protocol;
• international reforestation projects that preserve and create critical forests and that are designed using the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance;
• U.S. Green-e certified renewable energy projects, such as wind farms; or
• a combination of these projects.

Customers may choose to contribute a suggested amount that is calculated based on the carbon emissions related to their itinerary, or they may choose to contribute a different amount toward the reduction of greenhouse gases.

In addition to offering a carbon offset project for individual customers, Continental now has the ability to provide its contracted corporate customers the carbon emissions associated with their business travel with Continental.