Evaluating the Travel Carbon Footprint Associated with Using Digital Platforms for Accessing Social Welfare Services

This study evaluates the travel carbon footprint associated with using digital platforms for accessing social welfare services. The research focuses on the ‘Me Sitthi’ mobile application, designed to enhance access to welfare rights and benefits while potentially reducing travel-related emissions. A survey of 352 participants across ten sub-districts in Lamphun (Muang Jie, Ban Klang, and Umong), Chiang Mai (Mae Kue), and Phayao (Sri Thoi, Wiang, Kue Wiang, and Ngim) provinces was conducted, coupled with GIS-based distance calculations and regression analysis. Results show an average travel carbon footprint of 1.72 ± 2.02 kgCO<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf>eq/capita across the studied areas, with significant variations between locations (ranging from 0.32 to 7.10 kgCO<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf>eq/capita). Regression analysis revealed that travel distance had the strongest positive correlation (0.7565) with carbon footprint, while age showed a negative correlation (-0.1527). The use of digital platforms resulted in an average cost reduction of 31.2 baht per person in transport expenses. Motorcycles were the most common mode of transportation (62% of respondents), aligning with national trends. This research provides insights into the potential environmental benefits of digital platforms in social welfare service delivery, highlighting the complex interplay of factors influencing travel-related carbon emissions.