The Carbon Commute

The carbon commute

If you work within 2km (slightly less than 1¼ miles) of your home, try getting up earlier and walking or cycling to the office. If you have a longer commute, take the bus, Underground or train.

The following table shows weekly carbon savings if you switch from driving to alternative modes of transport. Multiply the CO figure for travel by train, bus or Underground by the number of kilometres travelled each month. Then calculate your savings by deducting this figure from the total you would have incurred if you had driven.

Car emissions during rush hour are much higher than the daily average — 339g/km rather than 180g/km for an average-size petrol car.

By car - 339g for 1km

By diesel train — 98g for 1km

By Underground — 65g for 1km

By single-decker bus — 66g for 1km

By foot/bicycle — 0g for 1km

Here are some sample savings if you leave your car in the garage

Carbon savings per year

For a daily 12km round-trip commute: train = 51kg, bus = 57kg; Tube = 58kg

For a 4km round-trip walk to work: 24kg

For a 12km daily round trip by bicycle: 71kg

Top 5 carbon-light petrol cars

Toyota Prius — 104g/km

Honda Civic Hybrid — 109g/km

Citroën C — 109g/km

Toyota Aygo — 109g/km

Peugot 107 — 109g/km

Source: http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/news/article2437971.ece