A systematic review of the energy and climate impacts of teleworking

This paper provides a systematic review of studies on the energy and climate impacts of teleworking. Findings show that while teleworking often reduces energy consumption through decreased commuting, other factors, like increased home energy use and non-work travel, can offset these savings. Although 26 of the 39 studies reviewed suggest net energy reductions, the overall impact remains context-dependent. The review highlights the complexities of teleworking’s environmental impacts, underlining the need for comprehensive policies that maximize net energy savings.

Context and quantification

About the policy

Area

Energy, Climate Action

Instrument

Flexible work policies

Intervention

Teleworking initiatives

Cost

None

Funding

None

Institutional arrangement

None

Impacts

Stakeholders involved

Employees, employers

Stakeholders impacted

Remote workers

Wellbeing

Life Satisfaction

Justice consideration

Procedural

Metadata

Lead author nameAndrew Hook
Lead author genderMale
Lead author institutionUniversity of Sussex
Lead author institution locationSussex, UK
Peer reviewed?true
Grey literature?false
Type of paperReview
Volume15
Publication year2020
URL / DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab8a84
Sufficiency mentioned?false