Emissions from train travel
The calculator uses a figure of
100 g/mile CO2.
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 [1]. 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 | [1] | The most detailed source, and the one used as a basis |
| 49 | 80 | [2] | Recommended by CG, summarising several sources |
| 60 | 100 | [3] | |
| 60 | 100 | [4] | |
| 60 | 100 | [5] | giving DEFRA as the original source |
| 70 | 110 | [6] | (underground) |
| 80 | 130 | [7] | (underground / metro) |
| 100 | 170 | [7] | (intercity) |
| 110 | 180 | [6] | (intercity) |
| 160 | 250 | [6] | (other) |
| 160 | 250 | [7] | (other) |
Figures taken from the original source are shown in plain text;
Figures after conversion are in italics.The factor used by the Carbon Independent calculator is thus in the middle of the range of published estimates.
References
| [2] | Chris Goodall (2007) (Earthscan) |
| [6] | Mark Lynas (2007) Carbon Counter (Collins) |
| [7] | Hillman M, (2006) Personal carbon allowances British Medical Journal 332 1387-1388 |
First published: 2007
Last updated: 16 Sep 2023
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