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How to Calculate Commute Carbon

What is Commute Carbon?

A commute carbon calculator estimates the CO₂ emissions from your daily commute based on transport mode, distance, and vehicle type. Transport accounts for ~27% of UK and ~29% of US greenhouse gas emissions.

Formula

CO₂ per km: Car (petrol) ≈ 0.21 kg | Car (EV) ≈ 0.05 kg | Bus ≈ 0.10 kg | Bike/Walk ≈ 0 kg

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Car: ~170 g CO₂/km (average petrol car)
  2. 2Train: ~35–41 g CO₂/km (UK average)
  3. 3Bus: ~89 g CO₂/km
  4. 4Cycling and walking: ~0 g CO₂/km (operational emissions)

Worked Examples

Input
20km daily commute by petrol car, 5 days/week
Result
Daily: 20 × 2 × 170g = 6,800g; Annual (230 days): ~1,564 kg CO₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Commute Carbon?

A commute carbon calculator estimates the CO₂ emissions from your daily commute based on transport mode, distance, and vehicle type. Transport accounts for ~27% of UK and ~29% of US greenhouse gas emissions

How accurate is the Commute Carbon calculator?

The calculator uses the standard published formula for commute carbon. Results are accurate to the precision of the inputs you provide. For financial, medical, or legal decisions, always verify with a qualified professional.

What units does the Commute Carbon calculator use?

This calculator works with inches, kilometres, percentages. You can enter values in the units shown — the calculator handles all conversions internally.

What formula does the Commute Carbon calculator use?

The calculator applies the standard formula for this type of calculation. See the 'How It Works' steps above for the detailed formula breakdown.

Ready to calculate? Try the free Commute Carbon Calculator

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