DEFRA methodologies for transport

The UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs publishes greenhouse gas conversions for a comprehensive range of transport scenarios. CarbonKit supports all of the data and calculation methodologies published in their most recent greenhouse gas (GHG) conversion factors documentation.

Details can be found by following these links:

Transport fuel

Transport associated greenhouse gas emissions can be calculated on the basis of fuel consumption using this DEFRA methodology which represents several types of transport fuels: petrol, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This is the most accurate way to calculate transport-associated emissions.

Road vehicles

DEFRA provides emissions data representing numerous forms of road transportation. This data enables greenhouse gas emissions calculations on the basis of distance(s) travelled and the type of vehicle used. Methodologies which characterise road vehicles by size and by market segment are available covering a broad range of cars, vans and motorcycles. **Heavy goods vehicles** are also represented. These methodologies represent emissions attributable to whole vehicles.

Passenger transport

Greenhouse gas emissions associated with passenger/public transport can also be calculated using the DEFRA passenger transport dataset and methodology. This data represents greenhouse gas emissions attributable to individual passengers using various types of bus, plane, rail and ferry transport and based on distance travelled. If specific travel distances are not known, passenger emissions for air travel between two known locations or airports can be calculated by using the methodology for Great Circle routes.

Freight

Greenhouse gas emissions associated with the freighting of goods can also be calculated using the DEFRA conversion factors, which resolve emissions on the basis of the distance and quantity (i.e. mass) freighted. A comprehensive range of freighting scenarios are available covering road, rail, and air freighting as well as an exhaustive range of shipping scenarios. If specific freighting distances are not known, air freighting between two known locations or airports can be calculated by using the methodology for Great Circle routes.