Train v plane calculating carbon savings
Ever wanted to know exactly how great you are for taking the train?
Ever wanted to know precisely how great you are for taking the train instead of flying? Well now you can (nearly!)! The newest addition to the Loco2 booking tool estimates how much carbon you’ll save by travelling by train versus an equivalent flight.
When it comes to sustainable travel, going by train is much greener than flying. Says Loco2. Not only is fuel used more efficiently, but electric trains can run on green electricity, reducing CO2 emissions even more. Celebrating low carbon travel is at the heart of what we do, and even our name is a nod to the fact that trains are "low CO2″ compared to planes.
A lot of sustainable travel companies focus on carbon offsetting or "eco-accommodation" instead of where the majority of emissions come from – flights! Says Loco2 – We think that true green travel should look at the bigger picture, and admit that offsetting doesn’t really work (it’s a bit like paying someone else to be monogamous while you have an affair).
Most carbon calculators focus on the negatives; calculating a carbon footprint which can seem a little daunting. Loco2 wanted to do something different, so instead of telling you how much CO2 your train journey produces, the Loco2 one displays the savings you’ll make by switching from a plane to the train.
Calculating carbon footprints can be tricky, and our estimates should be taken with a pinch of salt. For more accurate calculations you should consider:
- The model of train or plane, including fuel consumption
- For electric trains, the method of electricity generation (since most journeys booked on Loco2 are in France they use the French grid electricity factor)
- The exact distance travelled by train, including its bends and curves
- The exact plane route, plus time spent taxiing before take off and after landing
- Occupancy: the fuller the vehicle, the more people to share the CO2
- Class of travel: First Class uses more space and therefore more CO2
For a more accurate footprint of your trip Loco2 recommends the Ecopassenger emissions calculator. This benefits from using the same journey planning software as many European train timetable tools, and provides more accurate distance calculations.
See it HERE
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