What are the environmental benefits of teleworking?

Remote working has demonstrated its potential to significantly contribute to environmental protection. Organizations such as Greenpeace say that teleworking is one of the greenest job options, thanks to its positive impact on the environment.

The current climate situation creates an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, which are often reflected in the constant traffic jams in major cities. Reducing emissions, lowering resource use in offices, and optimizing energy efficiency are some of the benefits that teleworking offers.

Decreased daily travel to the office translates into reduced use of private vehicles and, therefore, lower CO₂ emissions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to health: its effects are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths each year. According to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences teleworkers could have a carbon footprint up to 54% lower compared to workers who go to the office in person. Hybrid workers with several days of work at home can reduce emissions by 11% to 29%.

At MAPFRE we’ve established ambitious objectives in our environmental policy, committing to reducing our carbon footprint through various actions. We have a 2030 Corporate Environmental Footprint Plan in place that includes all the lines of action essential to achieving a reduction of at least 30% in our group’s operational carbon footprint by 2030, compared to the 2022 baseline. These actions include the provision of services to promote sustainable mobility for employees, such as shuttles connecting to headquarter buildings, bike parks and electric vehicle rental.

The implementation of teleworking favors the reduction of emissions and the efficient use of resources while aligning with the principles of the circular economy, minimizing waste and making the most of the available resources. In this context, reducing paper consumption becomes a crucial action. By digitizing documents and encouraging the use of electronic platforms for information management, MAPFRE can significantly reduce paper demand, thereby lessening the impact of deforestation and the energy expenditure associated with paper production. We also promote the principles of a new energy culture where we make responsible use of energy by committing to energy savings and efficiency.

Implementing these types of environmentally friendly practices and setting ambitious goals are two actions that reinforce our commitment to sustainability. This not only reflects our leadership in environmental respect but also has the potential to inspire other organizations to adopt similar practices for the benefit of the planet.

RELATED ARTICLES: