Remote working better for the environment? Emissions cut by 54%
Researchers from the United States conducted a study which proves that working from home is more beneficial for the planet than commuting to the office.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, humanity discovered the possibility of working from home, which has many benefits. Apart from not having to commute to the office in traffic jams, being able to wear your favourite sweatpants all day and cuddle with your beloved pet in between, you also help the planet. In what way? People who work from home all the time reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 54% compared to those who regularly commute to their place of employment.
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Remote working and the environment
Researchers from Cornell University examined how remote, hybrid and office work affects the planet. They published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
They found that the best way to support the planet is to work from home. The researchers found that people performing duties remotely reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54%. The hybrid model is also a good option, but the positive effects on the environment only occur when working from home two to four days a week. One day only of remote working reduces greenhouse gas emissions by just 2%.
As reported by The Guardian, researchers at Cornell University used multiple datasets. They obtained information from Microsoft employees on office commuting and teleworking, and modelled the predicted greenhouse gas emissions of office, remote and hybrid workers. They found that IT and communications technology had a negligible impact on individuals’ work carbon footprints, The Guardian reports.
Lower greenhouse gas emissions of remote workers
The experts conducting the study identified the main reasons for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of remote workers. These mainly include:
- lower energy consumption in the office,
- no daily commuting,
- reduced vehicle congestion during peak hours.
However, the researchers point out that work done at home must be properly planned in order to lower emissions. Indeed, the study found that people who carry out work duties from home are more likely to travel and fly on planes, which is not good for the environment.
"While remote work shows potential in reducing carbon footprint, careful consideration of commuting patterns, building energy consumption, vehicle ownership, and non-commute-related travel is essential to fully realise its environmental benefits," the study reads.
Although the results do not apply to employees in many sectors, they provide clues as to how employers can reduce their company's carbon footprint, The Guardian reports.
Source: theguardian.com
