Carbon Footprint Calculator
Calculate your personal or business carbon footprint with advanced analytics. Get comprehensive reports, reduction strategies, and certification guidance for your sustainability journey.
Personal Carbon Footprint
Calculate your annual personal carbon emissions
Transportation
Energy & Lifestyle
Key Features
Understanding Carbon Footprints
Reduction Tips & Strategies
🔥 High Impact (Save 1+ tons CO2/year)
⚡ Medium Impact (Save 0.2-1 tons CO2/year)
✅ Quick Wins (Easy to implement)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good carbon footprint?
The Paris Agreement targets 2.3 tons CO2 per person per year by 2030. Currently, the global average is 4.8 tons, while the US average is 16 tons. Top performers (like Sweden) achieve 4-5 tons.
How accurate are these calculations?
Our calculations use EPA 2022 emission factors and IPCC methodologies. Personal results are ±20% accurate, business estimates need detailed energy audits for precision.
What's the biggest impact I can make?
For most Americans: 1) Avoid one trans-Atlantic flight (2 tons), 2) Drive electric/hybrid (1-3 tons), 3) Eat less meat (0.5-1 ton), 4) Use renewable energy (1-2 tons).
How do businesses achieve net zero?
1) Measure all Scope 1/2/3 emissions, 2) Set science-based targets (SBTi), 3) Reduce 90-95% through efficiency and renewables, 4) Offset remaining with verified credits.
Are carbon offsets legitimate?
Quality varies widely. Choose verified offsets (Gold Standard, VCS) that are additional, permanent, and measurable. Avoid cheap offsets - they're often ineffective.
What about electric vehicle emissions?
EVs produce 0.125 kg CO2/mile from electricity (vs 0.404 kg for gasoline). In states with clean grids (CA, NY), EVs are 3-4x cleaner. Even in coal states, EVs are 2x cleaner.
How does housing type affect my carbon footprint?
Apartments typically have 30-50% lower emissions than single-family homes due to shared walls, smaller spaces, and shared utilities. Older homes (pre-1980) average 25% higher emissions than new construction.
How often should I calculate my carbon footprint?
Check quarterly to track progress on major changes (new car, renewable energy, diet changes). Annual calculations are sufficient for general monitoring and goal setting.
How can I track my progress over time?
Keep records of your calculation results, major lifestyle changes, and monthly utility bills. Set annual reduction targets (5-10% per year) and celebrate milestones toward the 2.3 ton/year Paris Agreement goal.
How We Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Transportation Emissions
Car Emissions
Miles × Emission Factor
• Gasoline: 0.411 kg CO₂/mile
• Diesel: 0.463 kg CO₂/mile
• Hybrid: 0.246 kg CO₂/mile
• Electric: 0.123 kg CO₂/mile
Public Transport
0.089 kg CO₂/mile
Flights
• Domestic: 0.255 kg CO₂/mile
• International: 0.298 kg CO₂/mile
Energy Emissions
Electricity
kWh × 0.394 kg CO₂/kWh
Based on EPA national average
Natural Gas
Therms × 5.3 kg CO₂/therm
Renewable Energy
Reduces emissions by percentage used
Food & Lifestyle
Diet Impact (kg CO₂/day)
• High meat: 3.3 kg CO₂/day
• Moderate meat: 2.5 kg CO₂/day
• Low meat: 1.6 kg CO₂/day
• Vegetarian: 1.0 kg CO₂/day
• Vegan: 0.7 kg CO₂/day
Local Food
10% reduction per percentage local
Waste & Shopping
Waste (kg CO₂/day)
• High waste: 1.5 kg CO₂/day
• Moderate: 1.0 kg CO₂/day
• Low waste: 0.5 kg CO₂/day
Shopping (kg CO₂/day)
• High shopping: 2.0 kg CO₂/day
• Moderate: 1.2 kg CO₂/day
• Low shopping: 0.7 kg CO₂/day
Data Sources
• Transportation: EPA 2022 Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator
• Energy: EPA eGRID 2022 National Averages
• Food: University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute
• Business: GHG Protocol Corporate Standard