📊 Our Data Sources
Trusted scientific data and research behind our carbon footprint calculations
Primary Data Sources
Our carbon footprint calculator uses data from leading environmental agencies and scientific research organizations to ensure accuracy and reliability.
🌍 EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - 2024
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Usage: Vehicle emissions, electricity generation, and transportation data
- Vehicle emissions: 0.411 kg CO₂ per mile (average for passenger vehicles)
- Electricity generation: Regional CO₂ emission factors
- Transportation: Public transit and freight emissions
✈️ ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
Source: ICAO Carbon Calculator
Usage: Flight emissions and aviation carbon footprint
- Short flights (< 500 miles): 0.6 tons CO₂ per round trip
- Long flights (> 500 miles): 2.5 tons CO₂ per round trip
- Based on average aircraft efficiency and route distances
🌾 FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) - 2023
Source: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
Usage: Food production emissions and dietary carbon footprint
- Meat consumption: Emissions based on frequency and type
- Food production: Agricultural and processing emissions
- Dietary patterns: Regional and cultural variations
⚡ EIA (Energy Information Administration) - 2024
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Usage: Electricity generation and residential energy consumption
- US average electricity: 0.4 kg CO₂ per kWh
- Regional electricity rates and generation mix
- Residential energy consumption patterns
Calculation Formula
Our calculator uses the following formula to estimate your annual carbon footprint:
Formula Components:
- Car Miles × 52 × 0.411: Weekly driving converted to annual emissions (kg CO₂)
- Short Flights × 0.6: Round trip emissions for flights under 500 miles (tons CO₂)
- Long Flights × 2.5: Round trip emissions for flights over 500 miles (tons CO₂)
- Meat Factor: Emissions based on meat consumption frequency
- Electricity × 12 × 0.4: Monthly electricity usage converted to annual emissions (kg CO₂)
- ÷ Household Size: Per-person calculation for shared resources
Data Updates
We regularly update our data sources to reflect the latest scientific research and government statistics. Our calculations are based on:
- Most recent EPA emissions factors (2024)
- Latest ICAO aviation data
- Current EIA electricity generation statistics
- Updated FAO food production emissions
Last Updated:
Transparency & Accuracy
We are committed to transparency in our calculations. All data sources are publicly available and verifiable. Our methodology is designed to:
- Use conservative estimates to avoid underestimating impact
- Apply industry-standard emission factors
- Account for regional variations where applicable
- Provide clear explanations of our calculations