With the pandemic, many companies and individuals had to discover new ways of working, and working from home gained ground—the realization that so many activities could be performed remotely surprised many. There was an expectation that this work model would become permanent. However, the reality is that many companies are returning to in-person or hybrid schedules—and this might not be the best option for the planet.
A new study conducted by researchers at Cornell University and Microsoft has found that working remotely can yield significant environmental benefits, including reducing corporate carbon emissions. Compared to traditional commuters, full-time remote workers can cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 54%. Under a hybrid model, the reduction is 11% for those working remotely two days a week, and 29% for those spending four days working from home.
