Working from home post COVID could reduce emissions by an estimated 24 million MtCO2 per year
Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels
According to data from Statista, ‘Projections show that if the trend for working from home continues post-pandemic, then global emissions could fall by 24 million MtCO2 a year.’ The data was based on predictions for the U.S, China and the European Union.
A different study by the ‘British Clean Air Campaign’, concluded that ‘maintaining remote working after the coronavirus lockdown in the U.K. could cut two airports’ worth of emissions and eliminate 11.3 billion miles of commutes.’ In the light of these findings, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed that he is in favor of allowing remote work to continue post-pandemic. Forbes have estimated that around ‘a fifth of British commutes could be eliminated permanently if businesses take a more flexible approach to working habits.’
The environment benefits of remote work
One of the key environmental benefits of remote work is reduced emissions. As emissions fall, the air quality begins to improve. Research showed that ‘pollution in some British cities fell 60% during lockdown.’ Air Quality News discovered that, ‘the first Covid-19 lockdown led to a 42% decrease in surface-level nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution.’ Improved air quality means better public health, and there are several other benefits including decreasing ozone depletion; less risk of acid rain, and lessening the negative effects of climate change.
Besides reduced pollution, there are a few other environmental advantages of working remotely. Data from PRCA found that people who work from home are less likely to purchase convenience drinks and foods, contained in plastic packaging. The PRCA also suggested that remote workers use up less energy using a computer at home, compared to using similar devices at the office.
Working remotely has had a positive effect on power consumption around the world. Power consumption has gone down, due to the low electricity bills for brick and mortar companies. Remote work has also meant an increase in digital documents, and therefore a decrease in paper usage.
Undoubtedly, businesses have needed to adapt to make a success of remote work operations. Many companies plan to return to the office post pandemic, while others are considering giving up their office space altogether. Businesses making the switch may require storage solutions to support this transition. Commercial shed services such as Twin City Sheds can be of assistance here.
Which industries are most likely to continue remotely post pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us which industries can operate remotely, and those that cannot. McKinsey have stated that, ‘More than half the workforce has little or no opportunity for remote work.’ Some low wage jobs cannot be performed remotely, and Mckinsey suggests that digitization and automation are putting these jobs at risk.
So which industries are likely to continue working remotely post pandemic? Research has shown that, finance, management, professional services, and information sectors have the highest potential for remote work.’
As countries across the globe work towards their emission reduction targets, it’s likely that remote work trends will continue throughout 2021 and beyond. In Dec 2020 the UK announced plans to achieve ‘net zero by 2050’, with the intent to lead the way in the fight against climate change.
Over the last year there has been much discussion about how the pandemic has affected the economy. Though there have been many negative impacts, the new normal could certainly help us in our efforts to tackle climate change.
