Remote work's potential impacts on environmental health probed
In the post-pandemic world, the shift towards a hybrid workplace is imminent, with most knowledge worker companies anticipating a majority of their employees working from home (WFH) and a few returning to the office for essential tasks[6]. This transition has posed challenges for companies to account for WFH within their sustainability goals, as remote work can potentially increase emissions and environmental impact[3].
To mitigate these potential increases, companies can adopt several strategies. Firstly, the implementation of carbon accounting software can help track, measure, and report emissions from remote work setups, including energy consumption in home offices and commuting emissions saved by avoiding daily commutes[1][3].
Secondly, promoting energy-efficient home office setups is crucial. Encouraging employees to use LED lighting and energy-efficient computers can help reduce the overall energy consumption associated with remote work[2].
Thirdly, the use of digital communication tools and virtual meetings can reduce the need for travel-related emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals[1][3].
Fourthly, carbon offset programs can compensate for increased emissions from home energy consumption. This can involve purchasing carbon credits that support renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts[2].
Fifthly, educating employees on sustainable practices for their home work environments, such as energy conservation and waste reduction, can help mitigate the environmental impact of remote work[4].
Sixthly, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into remote work policies is essential. This includes setting targets for reducing emissions and regularly reporting on progress towards these goals[5].
In the hybrid workplace, transportation impact needs to be balanced. While reduced commuting is a significant advantage, increased non-work travel and more short trips could offset these savings[7]. There is also an increased risk of electronic waste due to the increasing use of technology tools in WFH[8].
To address this, companies should provide remote employees with support for renewable energy sources, recycling, and safe disposal of e-waste. Additionally, WFH is likely to have a favourable impact on waste management efforts by increasing the use of recycling practices at home[9].
It is crucial to embed a culture of sustainability by providing support, policies, and leadership to employees. This can help ensure that the shift to remote work supports rather than undermines environmental objectives[10].
The energy impact of WFH depends on various factors, including the employee's characteristics, home facilities, and geographic location[11]. In April 2020, CO2 levels temporarily decreased by 20% due to WFH[12]. However, emissions are now back to pre-epidemic levels despite continued WFH[3].
In conclusion, accounting for remote work in sustainability goals requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects, from emissions tracking and reporting to sustainability training and awareness. By adopting these strategies, companies can integrate remote work into their broader sustainability strategies, ensuring that the shift to remote work supports rather than undermines their environmental objectives.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2020/04/16/how-the-coronavirus-pandemic-is-impacting-the-environment/?sh=76008d4f33f1 [2] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/15/carbon-emissions-fall-during-coronavirus-lockdown-but-rebound-expected-as-economy-reopens [3] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/23/carbon-emissions-rise-to-pre-pandemic-levels-despite-working-from-home [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2020/04/30/how-to-make-your-home-office-sustainable/?sh=67a6e9c56757 [5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2020/04/29/how-to-make-your-remote-work-strategy-sustainable/?sh=682647137f7b [6] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/04/26/how-to-prepare-for-a-hybrid-workplace-post-pandemic/?sh=7f7584d32140 [7] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/04/07/sustainable-transportation-strategies-for-the-hybrid-workplace/?sh=669845c12d34 [8] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/04/26/how-to-minimize-electronic-waste-in-the-hybrid-workplace/?sh=66c7f3f61b09 [9] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/04/26/how-to-make-waste-management-more-sustainable-in-the-hybrid-workplace/?sh=79e6777a7527 [10] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/04/26/how-to-cultivate-a-culture-of-sustainability-in-the-hybrid-workplace/?sh=64f075474e5c [11] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/04/26/how-to-account-for-remote-work-in-sustainability-goals/?sh=7a4a15f64e0f [12] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/21/coronavirus-lockdown-cuts-carbon-emissions-by-record-amount-but-rebound-expected-as-economy-reopens
- Incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into remote work policies can help mitigate the climate-change impact of WFH, as setting targets for reducing emissions and regularly reporting on progress aligns with the company's sustainability goals [5].
- To support sustainability in the home-and-garden, employees can implement energy-efficient lifestyle choices, such as using LED lighting and energy-efficient computers in their home offices, thereby reducing their carbon footprint during remote work [2].
- Companies can foster environmental-science awareness among their remote workers by educating them on sustainable practices for their home environments, which include energy conservation, waste reduction, and recycling, thereby promoting a culture of sustainable-living in the workplace [4].
