Is Being an Office or Remote Employee Better? How Working from Home Can Help the Planet
Even after the COVID-19 pandemic taught us to appreciate working from home, the debate between office and remote work continues. Bosses argue that being physically close foster unique collaborations, while employees prefer the uninterrupted environment of remote work. However, there’s another point in favor of working from home that we should consider: its positive impact on the planet. The release of greenhouse gas emissions contributes to global warming and potential disastrous consequences for our future. That’s why reducing carbon emissions at an individual and societal level is crucial. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA reveals that reducing commutes and office building usage can make a significant difference.
Using government surveys on energy consumption and Microsoft employee data, researchers found that full-time remote workers in the US reduced their emissions by more than 50% compared to office workers. Even a few days of hybrid work from home showed an environmental impact. This is mainly because remote employees avoid transportation emissions from commuting and reduce energy consumption in office spaces, which are major contributors to overall emissions. By adopting remote or hybrid work arrangements, employees have the opportunity to share office space, effectively lowering the carbon footprint associated with office buildings, including heating, air conditioning, and ventilation.
The study also found that the frequency of remote work days influences the reduction of carbon emissions. Working from home just one day a week only resulted in a 2% decrease in an employee’s carbon footprint, while two or four days of remote work reduced emissions by up to 29% compared to office work. The reason for this is that commuting emissions only slightly decrease with one day of remote work, and energy waste in office buildings remains when an individual has a dedicated desk space. However, shared desk spaces among remote or hybrid workers significantly lower carbon emissions from office building energy use.
It’s important to note that working from home does not automatically guarantee a reduced carbon footprint. Individuals still contribute to emissions through non-work related travel and social activities. In fact, the study found that remote workers tend to engage in more non-commute travel as the number of remote work days increases. Remote work also comes with hidden costs for employees, such as covering expenses for utilities, Wi-Fi, and printing that were previously covered by offices. However, companies may start subsidizing these costs to encourage remote work and mitigate the environmental implications.
Remote workers who want to make a bigger impact on reducing their carbon footprint can explore options like ride-sharing and using electric vehicles for work or non-work-related trips. Upgrading to energy-efficient household appliances and utilizing renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels, are critical measures for reducing carbon emissions at home. Additionally, using energy-efficient electronics and appliances and sharing resources in offices can further contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Remote workers also have the advantage of preparing home-cooked meals, reducing waste from packaging and disposable utensils.
However, it’s worth noting that commuting patterns are just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change. Until there is widespread adoption of electric vehicles and improved public transit options, climate-conscious employers may not base their decisions about remote work solely on carbon footprints.
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