How much CO2 does an average commute produce?

The average US commute of 16 miles each way at 28 mpg produces roughly 2.5 metric tons of CO2 per year.

How much would carpooling reduce emissions?

Carpooling with one other person cuts per-person commute emissions by 50%. A four-person carpool cuts it by 75%.

Public buses emit about 0.06 lbs CO2 per passenger-mile, and rail about 0.02 lbs, far lower than solo driving.

Calculate annual CO2 emissions from your daily commute by car.

One-Way Commute Distance

miles

Commute Days per Week

Work Weeks per Year

Vehicle Fuel Economy

mpg

Annual Commute CO2

2.38 metric tons

Annual Commute Distance7,500 miles

Annual Fuel Used268 gallons

Annual Commute CO2 vs Work Weeks per Year

Your daily commute can be a significant part of your personal carbon footprint.

Annual CO2 = (Distance * 2 * Days/Week * Weeks/Year) / MPG * 19.6 lbs/gallon / 2,204.6

Multiply one-way distance by 2 for round trip, divide total miles by fuel economy to get gallons, then multiply by 19.6 lbs CO2 per gallon.

A 15-mile one-way commute, 5 days/week, 50 weeks/year, in a 28 mpg car.

Calculate total driving emissions.

Compare EV and gas car commute costs.

Full personal carbon footprint.