Carbon Calculator

Logistics, encompassing air, sea, and road freight, play a crucial role in the global economy. While it enables the movement of goods and services across countries, it also contributes significantly to carbon emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. Transport emissions account for approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and freight transport is responsible for a significant portion of that.

Air freight is the most carbon-intensive mode of transport, emitting around 50 times more CO2 per tonne-kilometre than sea freight and approximately 6 times more than road freight. The main reason for this is the high fuel consumption of planes, which release a considerable amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, air freight has a shorter transit time than sea or road freight, but it also has a higher carbon footprint per unit of time, which exacerbates its environmental impact.

Sea freight is the most popular method of transporting goods globally, but it still contributes significantly to carbon emissions, especially for long-distance shipments. The primary sources of emissions are the combustion of fossil fuels by ships, which release large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, shipping emissions also include emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which have a significant impact on air quality and human health.

Road freight, which is responsible for the transportation of goods within a country or region, also contributes to carbon emissions, albeit to a lesser extent than air and sea freight. Emissions from road freight come primarily from the combustion of diesel fuel, which releases CO2 and other pollutants into the air. The amount of emissions varies depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, as well as the distance traveled.

To address the carbon footprint of logistics, many companies have started implementing strategies to reduce emissions, such as using more efficient modes of transport, optimizing routes, and implementing more sustainable practices. One way to assess the carbon footprint of shipments is by using a CO2 emissions calculator. Our website offers such a calculator, which uses the GHG Protocol Cat 4 and 9 to provide an accurate estimate of the carbon footprint of air, sea, and road freight shipments. This tool can help businesses make informed decisions about their logistics operations, identify areas for improvement, and reduce their overall carbon footprint.