We developed an application that calculates carbon emissions across various modes of transportation, helping you make eco-friendly travel decisions. To support this, we applied carbon footprint analysis techniques, which measure the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with each travel option. This approach provides a clear understanding of your environmental impact.
To compare the environmental impact of different transport modes, we use \(CO_2\)-equivalents (\(CO_2e\)) — a common unit that captures the effect of multiple greenhouse gases like methane \(CH_4\) and nitrous oxide \(N_2O\) as if they were all \(CO_2\). This makes it easier to calculate and compare emissions across cars, buses, trains, and flights. This is the general formula for calculating the \(CO_2\) emissions. We multiply the \(CO_2e\) equivalents with the number of kilometers traveled. Some of the transport methods use this simple formula, whilst others have small variable changes.
General Formula for All Modes:
CO₂e = \( \text{Distance} \times \text{Emission factor}_i \)
Total emissions (CO₂e) = \( \sum_{i=1}^{n} ( \text{Distance}_i \times \text{Emission factor}_i ) \)
This is the core formula used in our calculator. We multiply the number of kilometers traveled by an average emission factor for each mode of transport. These emission factors are based on grams of CO₂e per kilometer, and they vary depending on whether you're driving a diesel car, taking a train,or flying.
Some transport methods have emission factors that already account for sharing. For example, a train or flight gives emissions per passenger. For others, like a car or ferry, we divide the total emissions across all passengers to get a fairer estimate per person.
Let's say you drive 50 kilometers in a petrol car. The emission factor for a petrol car is approximately \(160 \, \text{g CO}_2e/\text{km}\).
We calculate the emissions using the formula:
CO₂e = \( d \times e = 50 \times 160 = 8000 \, \text{g CO}_2e \)
We then convert grams to kilograms:
\( 8000 \, \text{g CO}_2e = 8 \, \text{kg CO}_2e \)
So, this journey results in a total emission of \(8 \, \text{kg CO}_2e\).
Walking is a zero-emission mode of transport. It has no carbon footprint, making it the most environmentally friendly option.
Cycling is another zero-emission mode of transport. It has no carbon footprint, making it another great choice for the environment.
| Type | CO2 Emission | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 160g | Emissions from burning gasoline in combustion engines |
| Diesel | 170g | Burning diesel in combustion engines, but also releases potent greenhouse particles |
| Hybrid | 126,1g | Direct emissions from combusting of fuels. Indirect emissions from electricity production. |
| Electric | 19,3g | Indirect emissions due to sources of electricity production. |
| Type | CO2 Emission | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 82,77g | Emissions from burning gasoline in combustion engines |
| Medium | 100,86g | Emissions from burning gasoline in combustion engines |
| Large | 137,7g | Emissions from burning gasoline in combustion engines |
| Type | CO2 Emission | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 27g | Burning diesel in combustion engines, but also releases potent greenhouse particles |
| Electric | 13g | Indirect emissions due to sources of electricity production. |
| Type | CO2 Emission | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Norway average | 10g | Indirect emissions due to sources of electricity production. |
| EU average | 33g | Indirect emissions due to sources of electricity production. |
| Type | CO2 Emission | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry | 377g | Burning diesel in combustion engines, but also releases potent greenhouse particles |
| Type | CO2 Emission | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Long-haul | 147g | Direct emissions from combustion of jetfuel. |
| Short-haul | 246g | Direct emissions from combustion of jetfuel. Less energy-efficient due to frequent landing and take-off. |