Definition

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are those that contribute to the 'greenhouse effect', trapping heat from the sun in the earth's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas, but there are a number of others including methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

Calculations

Train 

Train emission calculations are based on the assumption that a train carries on average 600 passengers (full capacity) per 6 car unit during peak hour travel, which equates to 30.3 gC02e/passenger km.

The Australian Greenhouse Office indirect and various emission factors have been used to calculate full cycle emissions from the generation of the electricity purchased and consumed by QR Limited.

For more information, please refer to the Australian Greenhouse Office - AGO Factors and Methods Workbook dated December 2006.

Car 

As train emissions are based on full capacity, car travel data is calculated based on the assumption that a car carries a maximum of 1.2 passengers which equates to 250gC02e/passenger km.

An average car produces 4.5 tonnes of greenhouse and travels 15,000 km per year.

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