It allows users to input information about what is travelling on the KiwiRail network, then estimates the emissions created by that journey and compares it to equivalent journeys by road or air. The total emissions calculated also includes the Interislander when rail freight crosses the Cook Strait.

It allows users to input information about what is travelling on the KiwiRail network, then estimates the emissions created by that journey and compares it to equivalent journeys by road or air. The total emissions calculated also includes the Interislander when rail freight crosses the Cook Strait.

“Increasingly, customers want more information to support their transport decisions, and tools for estimating and comparing carbon emissions are now common features of transport providers worldwide,” says KiwiRail Executive Vanessa Oakley.

“Our new calculator is a simple tool that makes it easy for our customers to assess their estimated carbon footprints and compare travel choices.”

KiwiRail’s free tool will be a game-changer for the many business operators who have carbon commitments and want easier ways to make informed sustainable decisions.

Team Global Express’ Chief Executive Officer Stewart Smith says, “As a multi-modal transport business committed to being a leader in sustainability, the KiwiRail Carbon Calculator is a valuable tool to help our customers better understand the emissions associated with different transport solutions across our integrated network. It supports informed decision making and shows the benefits of utilising rail as part of the full end-to-end supply chain.”

Great Journeys New Zealand passengers will also be able to compare their journeys on the Northern Explorer, TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific to the same journeys by car. In the case of the Northern Explorer, they can compare emissions to the equivalent flight. The calculator helps environmentally-conscious passengers confirm their choice of rail as a sustainable mode of transport.

KiwiRail has set targets to reduce its own emissions by 40 per cent in the next 10 years and to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the Government’s target. Transport contributes 18 per cent to New Zealand’s overall emissions. Rail is a low-carbon form of transport, and moving freight by rail helps KiwiRail customers by providing a lower emissions option in the supply chain so they can meet their own sustainability targets.

“Moving freight by rail as part of a fully integrated supply chain solution helps avoid around one million heavy truck trips from the roads each year, and this calculator will help customers see their potential contribution to those savings,” says Ms Oakley.

The calculator’s methodologies, inputs and assumptions have been externally reviewed and verified by Toitū Envirocare.

The calculator can be found now on the KiwiRail website, the KiwiRail freight portal and the Great Journeys New Zealand website.