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Compare the carbon footprint of working from home versus commuting to an office. Includes home energy increase, commute emissions, and office energy share.
Working from home saves 600–1,800 kg CO2 per year for most car commuters, even after accounting for increased home heating and electricity. The net saving depends on commute distance, transport mode, and home energy efficiency. For car commuters with a 20+ km each-way commute, WFH is almost always significantly greener.
360
kg CO2/year
1.5 kg CO2/day
3,082
kg CO2/year
The average car commute of 20 km each way produces approximately 6–10 kg CO2 per day (round trip), or 1,500–2,600 kg per year. This is one of the largest single sources of personal carbon emissions. Even public transport commuters produce 1–4 kg CO2 per day, though this is 50–80% less than driving.
Working from home isn't zero-carbon — you use more heating, cooling, lighting, and computing at home. This adds approximately 0.8–1.5 kg CO2 per day depending on the country and season. However, this increase is almost always smaller than the commuting emissions saved, especially for car commuters. The net saving for a typical 20 km car commuter is 4–8 kg CO2 per day.
Full-time remote work maximises commuting carbon savings but increases home energy use every day. Hybrid work (2–3 days in office) captures most of the commuting savings on non-office days, while shared office buildings — running at partial occupancy — can become less energy-efficient per worker than a home office. Studies from IEA and Carbon Trust suggest that 2 days per week in the office (vs 5) cuts total work-related carbon by approximately 40–50% compared to full commuting, while maintaining collaboration benefits. Peak-hour public transport commuting is the most carbon-efficient 'hybrid' strategy for city workers.
Reducing car commuting has benefits beyond CO2. Road transport is the leading source of urban nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter — reducing car trips directly improves local air quality and public health. Fewer daily commuters also reduce traffic congestion, cut road maintenance costs, and free up urban space currently used for car parking. Workers save an average of £2,000–£5,000 per year in fuel, parking, and public transport costs by working from home. Employers save on office space. The carbon benefit is real, but the productivity, wellbeing, and economic co-benefits are arguably even more compelling drivers of the shift to flexible working.
Covers practical follow-up questions readers often ask
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