Calculations greenhouse gas emissions
GreenSeat calculates greenhouse gas emissions of flights and car travel using average emissions factors as defined by UNEP (the United Nations Environment Programme). These are internationally recognised values that are widely used:
> 0.18 tons of CO2 per 1,000 km for short flights (shorter than 1,000 km)
> 0.11 tons of CO2 per 1,000 km for long flights (longer than 1,000 km)
Besides CO2, aircraft emit all kinds of other greenhouse gases, such as methane, and these also contribute to the problem of climate change. All gas emissions are expressed in CO2 ‘equivalents’ and are calculated by multiplying the amount of CO2 by 2 (COM 2005: Reducing the Climate Change Impact of Aviation. Brussels).
The emission values used are averages. The calculation of the emissions caused by your flight is made using an ‘average’ airplane carrying an ‘average’ number of passengers. These figures may differ from every specific case, but in general will be in accordance with reality. Using these values makes it possible for every organisation and individual to get a quick insight into their carbon footprint.
Costs of a GreenSeat
One ton of CO2 is offset by one carbon credit costing € 1,-0 per credit. So the price of a GreenSeat is determined by multiplying the amount of emissions (in tons of CO2) by € 10,-. This sum is unfortunately also subject to 19% BTW (Dutch VAT). Incidentally, GreenSeat has been battling for years to get carbon offsetting into the 0% BTW rate on account of its contribution to the climate.
On average it costs less than € 10,- to offset a return flight within Europe. The exact price of a GreenSeat depends on the distance flown and is easily worked out using the calculator.