Travel Carbon Footprint Calculator

Estimate the lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions of a trip by multiplying distance by an emission factor—ideal for corporate sustainability reports, carbon offset planning, or conscious travel decisions.

Total kilometres travelled. Multiply by two for round trips or add each leg separately.
Source from DEFRA, ICAO, or your carrier's sustainability report.

Emission factors represent averages. Weather, load factors, routing, and vehicle efficiency can materially change real-world footprints. Validate with primary data when available.

Examples

  • Return flight of 2 × 1,250 km at 0.18 kg/km ⇒ 450 kg CO₂e
  • Electric rail journey 320 km at 0.035 kg/km ⇒ 11.20 kg CO₂e
  • Carpool road trip 860 km at 0.12 kg/km ⇒ 103.20 kg CO₂e

FAQ

Where do emission factors come from?

Use peer-reviewed datasets or government inventories such as DEFRA, the EPA, or airline-specific calculators for the transport mode you are analysing.

Does this consider round trips?

Enter the total distance travelled. For an out-and-back itinerary, double the one-way distance before calculating.

Can it compare modes of transport?

Yes. Run separate calculations with the emission factor for each mode—e.g., car, train, short-haul flight—to compare footprints side by side.

How do I include radiative forcing for flights?

Multiply the emission factor by a radiative forcing index (often 1.9) if your reporting standard requires accounting for high-altitude effects.

Additional Information

  • CO₂e expresses carbon dioxide equivalents, aggregating CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and other greenhouse gases.
  • Adjust emission factors for vehicle occupancy, class of service, or fuel type to refine estimates.
  • Combine results with carbon prices or offset rates to budget environmental costs.

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