In recognition of Earth Day 2023 on 22 April, US charter broker and jet card provider Paramount Business Jets has updated its open-source private jet carbon offset calculator, heralded as the first carbon emissions calculation tool for the business aviation community when introduced on its web site in 2019.

The calculator allows users to quickly determine carbon emissions for their flights by simply inputting the departure and destination points and the type of aircraft used; the calculator instantly tabulates the flight time and emissions in pounds and metric tonnes of CO2. The page also provides links to several organisations offering accredited offset programmes for travellers interested in purchasing offsets to reduce their carbon footprints.

"We feel that this can help the environment, and that's why we put time and effort into updating it," says founder and CEO Richard Zaher. "We're proud to be involved with the project."

The updated version allows users to select the specific category as well as the aircraft model, for more precise emissions calculations; they could only input the aircraft model in the first iteration. Additionally, the calculator now presents greener aircraft options appropriate for the mission.

"This tool helps those who are creating carbon emissions to be more aware of them, and helps to reduce emissions by giving the client the ability to make a more informed decision," he adds.

The offset organisations referenced on the site report that they are receiving offset requests from clients coming through the calculator on a regular basis. Zaher says: "We like to say it gives customers the option of lowering their emissions without lowering their comfort level."

Zaher notes that when the calculation tool launched in 2019, information on business aircraft carbon emissions was extremely difficult to track down, and for travellers wishing to go carbon neutral, it was generally at least a two day process to determine the carbon footprint of a flight.

To further the cause of sustainability and carbon-neutral travel, Paramount Business Jets has always offered the emissions calculator's source code to any service provider that wants to create one for their own site.

Meanwhile, the need for awareness and action has increased. In addition to the calculator, the page provides high-value information on carbon emissions and offsetting strategies.

Celebrated annually on 22 April since 1970, Earth Day marks the birth of the modern environmental movement and is observed in more than 190 countries worldwide.