Have studies been conducted on the impact of home-based vs. office based jobs on the environment?

Question

Concerns about global-warming and climate change are in the news headlines more than ever before. Greenhouse gases and the use of fossil fuels have greatly accelarated climate change. On the other hand, commuting time and distances have increased dramatically. What if we use the technology that we have available to us in the United States and convert a significant amount of the workforce (40-50%) from office to home based jobs by using the internet, mobile phones, etc. and by limiting face-to-face meetings to 2-4 times per month? Could this make a difference in our environment? It seems that this might be possible if people didn't have to drive as much. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Sophia,

It's a very good point that you make and yes it is something that has been studied as part of larger studies into ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

I can't give you specific facts and figures because it was wrapped up ith lots of other ideas but the feeling was that it would work in warmer countries better than it would in colder countries.

The reasoning being that if all the staff are in one office then it's just a single building that needs heating and lighting but if they're in separate houses then a lot more heating and lighting would be required which would offset savings made by not travelling to the office.

For some people it would certainly be beneficial - those with long commutes and those living in warm countries but for those living quite close to their place of work it wouldn't be all that beneficial.

Answer 2

No significant changes environmentally.