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How to Estimate Delivery Route Emissions

MileCut Team
6 min read
2026 factors
are the current UK government reference for converting activity data into reported emissions.
In short: use measured fuel or electricity when available, apply a factor that matches the vehicle and reporting boundary, and compare the same amount of completed delivery work.
Use the strongest available data
  1. Measured fuel or electricity
  2. Actual kilometres with a suitable vehicle factor
  3. Planned kilometres for a clearly labelled scenario

The van market is changing

Provisional European Environment Agency data shows that 1.2 million new vans were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2025. Their average certified emissions were 172.1 g CO₂/km, down from 184.9 g CO₂/km in 2024. Fully electric vans reached 10.3% of new registrations.

These figures describe newly registered vehicles under the WLTP test procedure. An existing fleet still needs fuel, electricity or distance records from its own operations.

Start with measured activity

Fuel receipts, fuel-card data and charging records usually give the strongest basis. Multiply the measured quantity by the relevant published factor. If consumption data is unavailable, use actual kilometres and a factor that matches the vehicle and fuel type. Label planned distance as a scenario.

Basic formula
Estimated emissions = activity data × relevant conversion factor

Use the current factor set

The UK government published its 2026 greenhouse gas conversion factors in June 2026. The set includes delivery vehicles, managed vans, fuel and electricity. Record the source, year, units and reporting boundary beside the calculation. This makes the estimate easier to review when factors change.

Compare equal delivery work

Report total emissions together with completed stops, kilometres per completed stop and first-attempt delivery success. Compare similar service areas and note changes in vehicle type, payload, weather and charging source.

Electric vans still need a calculation

Battery-electric vans have zero tailpipe CO₂ emissions. Charging uses electricity, and its reported emissions depend on the electricity factor and accounting method. Measure the electricity used and state the boundary clearly.

Where MileCut fits

MileCut provides planned route distance and duration for scenario comparison. Use the route data alongside fuel, charging and vehicle records. The final emissions calculation stays in your reporting process.

Sources and calculation references

Choose factors that match the vehicle, energy source and reporting boundary. Keep the source with the calculation.

Measure the route before reporting the result

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