If you want to improve the planet's ecology, switch to remote work: what is the secret of this effect?
We live in a world with a rapidly deteriorating environment. And all the efforts of governments and public organizations to improve it have not yet yielded a positive result. Yet there are things we can do to make the planet cleaner.
Thus, SSPDaily writes: "According to a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, working from home reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% compared to those who work in an office." What is the secret of this effect?
Sitting at home makes the world a cleaner place
There is no mystery here, it's quite simple. Staying at home means you don't use your car, which means CO2 emissions are reduced. Scientists say: "Switching to remote work reduces a person's carbon footprint by 58%."
As for employees who split their time between the office and home, they can reduce emissions by 11-29%.
However, energy consumption at home and other lifestyle choices also affect how much remote work is good for the environment.
"It's one of the interesting pieces of the puzzle, but it's not the whole story," says John Trougakos, who has studied remote and hybrid work models.
"In order to develop a comprehensive plan to improve the environmental situation, you need to look not only at the workplace, but also at other options that people choose in their lives. This also affects emissions," he says.
How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
Here are three ways to reduce your CO2 emissions from remote work. In particular, Constellation, a company that deals with the transition to clean energy, recommends:
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which consume 85% less energy.
- Set the thermostat two degrees lower in winter and two degrees higher in summer.
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
The expert states: "Your individual choices can maximize the benefits of working from home."
"This study emphasizes the importance of lifestyle and the choices we make... when working remotely as key to realizing the potential benefits that can be gained," O'Connor concluded.