Covid has fundamentally changed the way we think
and work. With the obligation to telework, there's a lack of social
contact, but we also realise the benefits it can bring: time saving due to less
commuting, less stress and fatigue, a better work-life balance and it is more
ecological!
If we work from home one day a week for a year, we
emit 5.64 kg of CO2e. If we compare this figure with the amount of CO2e emitted
over a period of one year, for a 30 km car journey from home to work one day a
week, this amounts to 329 kg of CO2e.
According to a study by ADEME*, by working from
home one day a week for one year, we can reduce the amount of CO2e emitted by
271 kg per person!
To have a correct comparison we must take into account other elements that have
a negative CO2e impact: the unavoidable journeys that are normally on the
way to work (e.g. shopping, school) and an increase in the use of
video-conferencing and household energy consumption. New
journeys are also added with new hobbies, as a result of a better work-life
balance.
The impact of the above is completely counterbalanced by an important point:
companies will need less space, as not all employees will be in the office and
they will be able to offer 'flexible office' solutions.
The labour market will never be the same again. Most companies are preparing
for a future in which teleworking will become "normal". This will
have a positive effect on the company, the employees, but also
on the environment!
Telework also gives us a different view on business travels.
A conference abroad for which a one-hour flight is necessary emits 200 kg of
CO2e - and that is without taking into account accommodation, extra distances,
etc.
If we compare this impact with that of a 4-hour virtual conference, which emits
only 240 g of CO2 (830 times less!), it is clear that videoconferencing could
have a great impact on climate protection. Also, videoconferencing saves
you time and money.
*https://agirpourlatransition.ademe.fr/particuliers/bureau/infographies/infographiesographies/infographies