Since feeling the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year or so, many businesses are already seeing the environmental benefits and sustainability that working from home can bring.
As we delve further into 2021, it’s clear that sustainability is also at the forefront of people’s minds.
Companies are looking to embrace new ways of being environmentally friendly and sustainable – now more than ever. And consumers are considering sustainable choices when purchasing any products or services.
So can working from home really have environmental benefits? Find out more as we explore the benefits of remote work and sustainability in our latest blog:
1) Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As you may already know, greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change by creating a greenhouse effect in the earth’s atmosphere. They are a bi-product of various human activities. With one of the largest sources being transport.
Therefore, with fewer vehicles on the road commuting to and from work – reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality is a clear winner for remote working.
In fact, recent statistics published by the National Government website tell us that due to the pandemic and fewer cars on the road, greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 were down 8.9% on the previous year.
2) Less Need for Paper
Using less paper reduces the number of trees that need to be cut down which can have huge benefits to our environment.
Many businesses may have already implemented a ‘reduced paper office’ policy recently. But with remote working, everything is done electronically via email and other shared networks meaning there really is no need to use paper.
By working from home, notes for meetings can all be done electronically; as can signing documents, sending out employee information, and much more.
3) Less Single-Use Plastic
If you’re a coffee-lover, then this one is definitely for you!
Single-use plastics are made from fossil fuels and are a huge issue in the UK and worldwide in our environment. Mostly because they are one of the most difficult materials to recycle.
As well as carrier bags in supermarkets – plastic food packaging and takeaway cups from cafes, petrol stations or vending machines are a huge contributing factor and are often seen in the workplace.
By working from home, you will likely make your own food and brew your own coffee. This will therefore reduce the need for these disposable products and promotes a sustainable way of working.
4) Less Energy Usage
Remote work can have a massive impact on energy usage across the globe. In offices, there will often be lights left on unnecessarily, extra hot water used, excessive appliances plugged in continuously such as printers and photocopiers, and much more.
Trying to heat or cool a large office space also uses a huge amount of energy. When in contrast when people work from home, they would tend to simply open windows or layer up instead.
People also often tend to be less conscious of the energy they use whilst in their office. So if remote working isn’t possible, try to educate your team on the importance of switching electronic items off when they’re not in use.
5) Less Waste Created
Last of all, when working from home people generally also create far less waste.
Just think how often the bins from the office canteen need to be taken out. And how much food and drink management and employees bring into work that just ends up in the bin.
Making your own food from scratch at home generally creates much less waste. Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill and becomes damaging to our environment.
Working from home alone won’t stop climate change. But it’s certainly a big step in helping us live and work more sustainably. To find out more about how you can help your business become more environmentally conscious – please contact our commercial waste team.