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 - If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset. Stay on the Ground - Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip. |
"formula": "INPUT_1 * 0.24" | INPUT_1 = Distance of flight in Miles | BlueSkyModel |
| Pounds of CO2 Saved (Public Transit) | Use Public Transit - I will use public transit (___) mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere. | "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 - I will commute by bike (___) mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere. | "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 - I will walk (___) mile(s) each day instead of driving and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere. | "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 - I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year. | "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 - I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers. | "formula": "6 gal * 1" |
Home Water Works - Showers |
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| Gallons of Water Saved | Install a Toilet Bank - I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water a day by installing a toilet tank bank. | "formula": "11 gal * DAYS_REMAINING_IN_CHALLENGE" |
Home Water Works - Toilets |
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| Gallons of Water Saved | Conserve Toilet Water - I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary. | "formula": "8 gal * 1" |
Home Water Works - Toilets |
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| Gallons of Water Saved | Fix Leaky Faucets - I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 3 gallons (11 L) of water per faucet every day. | "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 - I will save up to 8 gallons (32 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow shower-head. | "formula": "8 gal * DAYS_REMAINING_IN_CHALLENGE" | Home Water Works - Showers | |