Remote work has the potential to significantly reduce an individual’s carbon emissions by more than 50%, according to a new analysis published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. The study examined factors such as commuting, non-commute travel, office energy efficiency, and residential energy use to calculate the carbon reduction potential of working from home. Surprisingly, remote workers often drive more often than in-office workers, taking several short car trips throughout the day. However, by implementing strategies such as turning off unnecessary lights and appliances and using sustainable transportation like biking or public transit, remote workers can still achieve substantial emissions reductions. The study emphasizes that working from home is not a panacea for sustainability and that efforts to make office buildings greener should not be disregarded.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/working-remotely-can-more-than-halve-an-office-employees-carbon-footprint/