Carbon Footprint Calculator
Calculate your annual CO2 emissions and environmental impact
Your Annual Carbon Results
Understanding Your Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. Globally, the average carbon footprint is closer to 4 tons per person, but in the United States, the average is much higher at approximately 16 tons.
How the Calculation Works
Our calculator uses standardized emission factors to estimate your impact based on your consumption habits:
- Electricity: Approximately 0.92 lbs of CO2 per kWh (based on average grid mix).
- Natural Gas: Roughly 11.7 lbs of CO2 per therm burned.
- Transportation: Gasoline produces about 19.6 lbs of CO2 per gallon consumed.
- Aviation: Air travel is calculated at approximately 550 lbs (0.25 metric tons) of CO2 per flight hour per passenger.
Real-World Example Calculation
If you drive 1,000 miles a month in a car that gets 25 MPG, you consume 40 gallons of fuel. This results in 784 lbs of CO2 per month, or about 4.27 metric tons per year just from driving. Adding a 10-hour round-trip international flight adds another 2.5 metric tons to your annual total.
| Emission Tier | Annual Metric Tons |
|---|---|
| Low Impact | Under 5.0 Tons |
| Moderate Impact | 5.0 – 15.0 Tons |
| High Impact | Over 15.0 Tons |
Ways to Reduce Your Footprint
1. Switch to Renewables: Many utility providers allow you to opt into wind or solar power programs, potentially bringing your electricity emissions to zero.
2. Improve Home Insulation: Reducing heat loss significantly lowers natural gas or heating oil consumption during winter months.
3. Fly Less: Short-haul flights are particularly inefficient. Consider trains or buses for regional travel when possible.
4. Vehicle Efficiency: Transitioning to an electric vehicle (EV) or a high-efficiency hybrid can cut your transport emissions by 50% to 100%.