Working from home generates a 54% reduction in harmful gas emissions into the atmosphere, according to a study

Researchers from Cornell University and Microsoft released a study that examines the environmental impact of different work models In the USA.

despite the home office Having decreased in Brazil, as pointed out in 2023 by FGV, the practice is still relevant on the global stage.

Environmental benefits of working from home

The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in July 2023, highlights that workers fully remote workers have the ability to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 54% compared to those who work in person.

For those who chose a hybrid model, working remotely two days a week, this reduction is 11%. Those who stay home for four days see a 29% drop in emissions.

Details and methodology

Titled “The climate mitigation potentials of teleworking are sensitive to changes in lifestyle and workplace”, the research analyzed the emissions of three categories of workers: remote, hybrid and face-to-face.

The use of information and communication technology, residential and office energy consumption, daily commutes and trips outside of work were assessed.

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What the data shows

The results indicate that, for there to be a significant drop in emissions, working from home needs to be a regular practice. Working remotely just once a week resulted in just a 2% reduction in emissions.

This is due to certain compensating factors, such as increased travel outside of work and greater energy consumption at home.

Energy in the office

An important finding is that energy consumption in offices is one of the main factors that increase the carbon footprint.

Fuel savings due to less movement during peak hours is a notable advantage of the home office, which also contributes to improving air quality and reducing noise pollution in cities.

Understand the implications

Even though information and communications technology plays a role in emissions, it represents a small fraction, both in remote and in-person work.

The study suggests that the real battle against emissions must be focused on reducing carbon in transport and offices, with a move towards renewable energy.