Train sources



The calculator uses a figure of 100 g CO2 / mile.

This is based on an overall figure of 49 g/km i.e. 80 g / mile (or 0.080 kg / mile) - from the AEA Report [23]. This gives a range from 19 g/km to 71 g/km for intercity trains depending on route, engine type (diesel or electric) and passenger load (ranging from 44% to 68%).

Allowance is needed for the fossil fuel used in oil exploration and refining (which is overall around 85% efficient - see car sources page), and for train and track manufacture and maintenance. So the figure of 80 g / mile is adjusted to 100 g / mile.

Other estimates


g / km g / mile Source Notes
49 80 [AEA, 23] The most detailed source, and the one used as a basis
49 80 [CG, 10] Recommended by CG, summarising several sources
60 100 [NEF, 2]
60 100 [5]
60 100 [16] giving DEFRA as the original source
70 110 [ML, 6] (underground)
80 130 [MH, 3] (underground / metro)
100 170 [MH, 3] (intercity)
110 180 [ML, 6] (intercity)
160 250 [ML, 6] (other)
160 250 [MH, 3] (other)
original source; after conversion


So the factor used by the Carbon Independent calculator is in the middle of the range of published estimates.



References


See Reference List