Matkajälkilaskenta

Matkajälkilaskenta, also known as trip footprint calculation or travel carbon accounting, is the process of estimating the environmental impact, primarily greenhouse gas emissions, associated with a particular journey or trip. This calculation typically focuses on the carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere due to various activities involved in travel.

The primary components considered in matkajälkilaskenta include transportation modes. This involves quantifying emissions from flights, train journeys, car travel (including fuel type and distance), bus trips, and even ferry or boat voyages. Different modes have vastly different emission factors per passenger-kilometer. Accommodation is another significant factor, with the energy consumption of hotels, guesthouses, or other lodging contributing to the overall footprint. Food consumption during the trip, particularly the production and transportation of food, can also be factored in, especially for longer or more complex journeys.

The methodology for matkajälkilaskenta often relies on established emission factors provided by governmental agencies, environmental organizations, or specialized carbon accounting firms. These factors convert data like distance traveled or energy consumed into a specific amount of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions. Various online calculators and software tools are available to assist individuals and organizations in performing these calculations, making it more accessible to understand and manage travel-related environmental impact. The goal is often to raise awareness, enable comparisons between different travel options, and inform decisions aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of travel.