Remote working gained popularity in March 2020 at the height of the restrictions triggered by the pandemic. Working from home has become crucial for employee retention and business continuity. Remote work is also great for the environment for various reasons, as seen below.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Saving energy, time, and money is one of the core advantages of remote working. Working from home or using public transport instead of an individual car makes a huge difference. According to Purr, remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a total number equivalent to 600,000 vehicles. The study also suggests that working from home half the week reduces emissions by up to 54 million tons annually.

Reduced Consumption of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are used to generate energy and burned in homes to produce heat. They are also used in large power stations for electricity production. These fuels can have a massive impact on climate change. Due to the popularity of remote work, there has been a big reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels.

Reduced Paper Usage

Digitizing remote work documents has reduced the amount of paper companies use. Employers can reduce the amount of paper they use annually by adopting remote work. Still, the environmental effects of remote work and going paperless surpassed the reduction of paper consumption. One saved tree can clear the air of up to 14.7 pounds of carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse emissions considerably annually.

Reduced Power Consumption

Remote work has a big effect on power consumption across the world. This has been depicted through low electricity bills for brick-and-mortar offices. According to the World Economic Forum, power consumption has reduced due to the increased remote working opportunities after the pandemic.

More Opportunities to Make a Positive Impact on the Environment

With more time on their hands, remote workers can improve the environment by

  • Composting and creating a garden
  • Clearing bodies of water and parks off trash
  • Planting trees
  • Collaborating with advocacy organizations
  • Initiating a suburban or urban community garden

Remote work has numerous benefits for the environment and employees. Besides reducing gas emissions and paper usage, it’s a dynamic approach to an eco-friendly world that future generations will enjoy. Today, numerous remote work opportunities are available. Contact our inquiry desk to learn more about remote working and its impact on the environment.