IP Visuals saves time and boosts productivity. It also helps you to save the environment.

Every business wants to know their carbon footprint. Soon larger companies will be expected to report on the impact of their businesses on the planet and the steps they're taking to reduce this influence.

For each virtual room in IP Visuals we keep track of the travel time and cost savings, as well as the estimated reduction in carbon emissions. You'll be amazed how quickly they add up.

Estimating distances

We work out the least distance required for participants to attend a meeting. For example, if a video meeting were to have participants attending from Melbourne (Australia), Sydney (Australia) and New Jersey (USA), then it assumes that the meeting will held in Sydney because it provides for the shortest comibeddistance that everyone would need to travel. We work out the cumulative distance and double it (people have to get back home).

Our estimates are very conservative. For example, we measure distance as the crow flies. Actual distances will be much greater. We also exclude people who do not specify that they will be attending, even if they do drop in at the last moment. So it's not perfect, but it's a good indicator.

Estimating CO2 emissions

Once we have the distances travelled, we estimate the cost of CO₂ emissions based on the following assumptions:

• Distances <= 500 kms - assume that a car is driven at an emission rate of 0.00025 t CO₂ / km / 5 people.
  This is based on a rate of 2.5 t CO₂ / 1000 litres of ULP times for an average car using 10 litres ULP / 100 km.
• Distances between 500 kms and 5000 kms - assume a short haul flight at an emission rate of 0.00015 t CO₂ / km / person
• Distances > 5000 kms - assume a long haul flight at an emission rate of 0.00011 t CO₂ / km / person

Estimating travel costs

With the distances travelled, we can also estimate the cost of travel based on the following assumptions:

• Distances <= 500 kms - assume that a car is driven at a rate of 69 cents / km / 5 people
• Distances between 500 kms and 5000 kms - assume a short haul flight at rate of 28 cents / km / person
• Distances > 5000 kms - assume a long haul flight at a rate of 23 cents / km / person

Estimating travel time

With the distances travelled, we can also estimate the travel time saved based on the following assumptions:

• Distances <= 500 kms - assume that a car is driven at a speed of 60 km / hour
• Distances between 500 kms and 5,000 kms - assume a short haul flight at a speed of 650 km / hour
• Distances > 5,000 kms - assume a long haul flight at a speed of 850 km / hour

Estimating tree plantings

Although not displayed, it is possible to calculate the number of trees which would need to be planted to offset the CO₂ emissions that would have been generated:

• 1 tonne CO₂ emissions = 5 trees
• 200 kg CO₂ emissions = 1 tree

Disclaimer

The savings we present are purely a guide. They are based on a number of assumptions and generalisations. They also do not take into account the cost of video conferencing and the energy required to run the IP Visuals website.

The savings also don't include all the additional costs of travel including accommodation and other expenses like meals, transfers and the like.