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Remote work and its climate implications explored
Mandates to return to office settings clash with corporate environmental goals, as remote work proves beneficial for reducing carbon emissions.
In short:
- Data shows that increased remote work could significantly cut carbon emissions, potentially aligning with corporate climate targets.
- Studies suggest that commuting contributes heavily to indirect emissions from businesses, which are often overlooked.
- Remote work reduces individual carbon footprints by 54%, even when accounting for increased home energy use and travel.
Key quote:
"It seems like a very obvious solution to a very pressing and real problem."
— Curtis Sparrer, co-founder of Bospar
Why this matters:
As businesses face pressure to meet climate pledges, the increase in remote working offers a viable way to reduce transportation-related emissions. However, widespread mandates for in-person work conflict with these environmental commitments, raising questions about corporate responsibility and environmental integrity.
Flashback to EHN’s 2020 tips for remote work in a COVID-19 world.
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Are half-empty offices wasting energy?
Are half-empty offices wasting energy powering all of their mechanical systems? Data shows that the answer is no.
In a nutshell:
As office buildings slowly emerge from the pandemic, occupancy rates are gradually rising as companies require workers to return, even if only part-time. Surprisingly, data from real estate data management company Measurabl reveals that despite this increase in usage, office energy consumption is on a downward trend. Comparing data from multiple cities over different years, energy intensity per square foot is decreasing over time, indicating better energy management. This shift is attributed to proactive energy management strategies driven by environmental concerns, ESG standards, and energy regulations, though a significant portion of commercial real estate is yet to adopt such practices, potentially skewing overall energy usage statistics.
Key quote:
"The single largest controllable expense in most office buildings, and in most buildings period, is energy expenditure," says Measurabl CEO Matt Ellis.
The big picture:
Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants has been linked to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Efficient energy practices within office spaces lead to a healthier indoor environment, as optimized ventilation and lighting systems reduce pollutants and enhance overall well-being. These combined effects underscore the significant role that energy conservation in workplaces plays in promoting public health.
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