CARTEEH logo with green car and plant

Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Infrastructure Carbon Estimator (ICE)

The Infrastructure Carbon Estimator (ICE) Version 2.1 is a spreadsheet tool that estimates the lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas emissions from the construction and maintenance of transportation facilities. The tool is based on a nationwide database of construction bid documents, data collected from state DOTs, and consultation with transportation engineers and lifecycle analysis experts.

This tool will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Estimation Technique

This tool estimates emissions from infrastructure projects. The estimation procedure involves selecting the project type (e.g. road), then entering data on the project size, location, and other factors. The information provided makes an estimation of the emission factor for the project. This emission factor is then multiplied by the project’s size to estimate total emissions. The tool provides default values for many of the input parameters, so users can get an estimate even if they don’t have all the data.

ICE is designed to be used by government officials, project planners, and others who are involved in decision-making regarding infrastructure projects. The tool can help users understand the emissions impacts of different projects and make informed decisions about which projects to pursue. ICE is also intended to raise awareness about the role of infrastructure in climate change and encourage the consideration of emissions in infrastructure planning.