Ecochallenge Action Impact Formulas
At Ecochallenge.org our goal is to help individuals, communities and organizations take action against climate change and other systemic issues. In doing this, we've heard that one of the most gratifying parts of participating in an Ecochallenge event is watching all of the impact add up over the course of an event ( check out the historical impact of Ecochallenge). If you've ever wondered how we calculate the impact for some of our actions that focus on real world energy, emissions, and water savings, you'll find all of the formulas we use below. Have questions, concerns of feedback on how we can more accurately track our collective impact? Please reach out to us at support@ecochallenge.org.
Transportation Formulas
| Impact | Relevant Action(s) | Standard Formula | Inputs | Source |
| Pounds of CO2 Saved (Airline) | Choose a Carbon Offset Stay on the Ground |
"formula": "INPUT_1 * 0.24" | INPUT_1 = Distance of flight in Miles | BlueSkyModel |
| Pounds of CO2 Saved (Public Transit) | Use Public Transit | "formula": "((POST_1 / INPUT_1) * 19.59) - (POST_1 * .64)" | INPUT_1 = MPG of participants car POST_1 = Miles traveled by public transit instead of car |
American Bus Association EPA GHG Emissions |
| Pounds of CO2 Saved (Bike) | Go by Bike | "formula": "((POST_1 / INPUT_1) * 19.59) - (POST_1 * 0.0176)" | INPUT_1 = MPG of participants car POST_1 = Miles traveled by bike instead of car |
EPA GHG Emissions |
| Pounds of CO2 Saved (Walk) | Walk Instead | "formula": "((POST_1 / INPUT_1) * 19.59) - (POST_1 * 0.0)" | INPUT_1 = MPG of participants car POST_1 = Miles traveled by walking instead of car |
EPA GHG Emissions |
Energy Formulas
| Impact | Relevant Action | Standard Formula | Source |
| Pounds of CO2 Saved | Switch to Cold Water | "formula": "4.38 lbs/CO2 * DAYS_REMAINING_IN_CHALLENGE" | American Cleaning Institute |
Water Formulas
| Impact | Relevant Action | Standard Formula | Inputs | Source |
| Gallons of Water Saved |
5-Minute Showers | "formula": "6 gal * 1" |
|
Home Water Works - Showers |
| Gallons of Water Saved | Install a Toilet Bank | "formula": "11 gal * DAYS_REMAINING_IN_CHALLENGE" |
|
Home Water Works - Toilets |
| Gallons of Water Saved | Conserve Toilet Water | "formula": "8 gal * 1" |
|
Home Water Works - Toilets |
| Gallons of Water Saved | Fix Leaky Faucets | "formula": "POST_1 * 3 gal * DAYS_REMAINING_IN_CHALLENGE" |
POST_1 = # of faucets |
USGS Drip Calculator |
| Gallons of Water Saved | Install a Low-Flow Showerhead | "formula": "8 gal * DAYS_REMAINING_IN_CHALLENGE" | Home Water Works - Showers | |