A study of over 1,000 Swiss teleworkers found that working from home does not automatically reduce carbon emissions. While skipping the commute saves about 480 pounds of CO2 per person per year, heating a separate home office and using extra equipment adds roughly 630 pounds. The net result is a small increase in emissions for hybrid workers. The key factor is that offices keep heating and lighting empty desks, while homes add a second heated workspace. Employers can help by shrinking office space and adopting desk-sharing. Individuals can cut emissions by heating only the room they use and avoiding duplicate devices. The study was published in PLOS Climate.
