How we estimate impact

WalkIT estimates vehicle emissions that could be avoided when a walking or cycling trip replaces a motor vehicle trip. Calculating a route does not establish that a trip happened.

The calculation

Distance in kilometers x vehicle comparison factor = estimated grams of CO2e avoided. A return trip doubles the one-way distance. Google route distance describes the active travel route; it may differ from the driving route.

Comparison factors

Version: walkit-legacy-v1. These values were inherited from the original WalkIT calculator. Their original source and accounting boundaries have not yet been validated. Treat them as indicative comparisons, not verified reporting factors.

What totals mean

Campaign totals include only explicitly confirmed trips. Distances are either entered by participants or obtained from Google Routes; both rely on participants confirming that they travelled instead of driving. One entry per device per campaign per UTC day is permitted. Different devices or cleared cookies can create additional entries.

Monthly totals use UTC calendar months. Historical records from the original system are not included until reviewed and imported with their original methodology.

Limitations

This calculator does not account for occupancy, fuel type, electricity supply, food energy, lifecycle emissions, or whether a shared vehicle journey still happened. Estimates are not carbon credits and should not be automatically added to a corporate emissions inventory or a BSAT score.

Routes

Google Maps provides walking and cycling route estimates. These routes may be missing sidewalks or suitable paths; check local conditions before travelling.