Train methodology
US EPA
EPA GHG Emission Factors Hub
EPA rail factors for intercity, commuter and transit rail in the United States, converted to CO₂e per passenger-km.
- Publisher
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Best for
- Rail travel in the United States
- Result
- One total per trip, for all travellers
- Energy scope
- TTW
- Factor year
- Selectable; latest supported year by default
How it works
- Categories: intercity national average, Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington), other intercity routes, commuter rail, and transit rail such as subway and tram.
- SQUAKE converts EPA's values per passenger-mile into CO₂e per passenger-km.
- EPA states that the factors cover combustion only (tank-to-wheel) and leave out upstream emissions. For electric rail they include power plant emissions.
Trip details used
When a detail is missing, SQUAKE uses the default.
| Detail | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Origin and destination | Required without a distance | Addresses or other locations. |
| Rail distance | Calculated from the route | Gives the most accurate result. |
| Rail category | Intercity national average | Intercity national average, Northeast Corridor, other intercity routes, commuter or transit rail. |
| Number of travellers | 1 |
What is included
Included
- Fuel burned by trains
- Power plant emissions for electric rail
Not included
- Producing and delivering fuel (well-to-tank)
Limitations
- Based on US rail systems.
- The underlying data are several years old.
Sources
- US EPA: GHG Emission Factors Hubepa.gov
The factor tables, including business travel.