Transport Overview
Understanding transport modes and their environmental impact
Transport Modes and Carbon Emissions
Different transport modes have varying levels of carbon efficiency. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about your logistics operations and reducing your carbon footprint.
Transport Mode Comparison
Emissions Factors
Carbonpunk uses industry-standard emissions factors to calculate the carbon footprint of your shipments. These factors are based on extensive research and are regularly updated to reflect technological improvements and changes in the transport sector.
Typical Emissions Factors
| Transport Mode | Typical Emissions Factor (g CO2e/ton-km) | Variables Affecting Emissions |
|---|---|---|
| Air | 500-1,700 | Aircraft type, distance, load factor |
| Road | 60-150 | Vehicle type, fuel, load factor, route |
| Rail | 20-50 | Power source (diesel vs. electric), load factor |
| Sea | 10-40 | Vessel type, size, speed, load factor |
Optimization Strategies
Reducing the carbon footprint of your transport operations can be achieved through various strategies:
Mode Shifting
Shift shipments from high-emission modes (air) to lower-emission modes (sea, rail) when time constraints allow.
Load Optimization
Maximize vehicle utilization to reduce the number of trips and improve emissions per unit transported.
Route Planning
Optimize routes to minimize distance traveled and avoid congestion, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Vehicle Selection
Choose the most efficient vehicles for each shipment, considering size, fuel type, and emissions standards.
Measuring Transport Emissions
Carbonpunk calculates transport emissions using the following general formula:
Where:
- Activity Data = Weight (tons) × Distance (km)
- Emissions Factor = Specific to transport mode, vehicle type, and fuel
For more detailed information on our calculation methodology, see the Emissions Calculation page.