Face-to-Display Working: Decarbonisation Potential of not Commuting to Work before Covid-19 and during and after Lockdowns

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to examine whether full face-to-display working instead of commuting to work is a suitable solution for carbon emission reduction. Data from an international Austrian company were used. The study adopted cross tabulation for analysing the relationships of commuting (carbon emissions) in different periods in relation to face-to-display environmental benefits. The study analysed whether the major benefit of e-working, namely not commuting to work, can reduce carbon emissions. Real evidence of decarbonisation data from an Austrian company was provided. There are significant differences in the numbers of workers in cubicles and at home during the periods. The study reveals that face-to-display work can save CO2 emissions by reducing work-related trips. The data obtained offer a stimulating view of potential carbon emissions savings if employees continue working from home. Additionally, further saving factors correlate with the findings of this study, in particular decreases in energy consumption. Based on the data received, after the easing of the lockdown period, full e-workers mitigated the extent of their carbon footprint by almost 62% because of transport emissions. Moreover, in that period, 126 072 kg of CO2 emission of energy consumption was saved. Generally, the results indicate that an increase of e-workers tends to decrease the footprint from transport emissions and energy consumption. This paper finds that workers working remotely decrease the carbon foot print as a result of zero commuting and energy consumption during different periods of the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings show that more long-term and comprehensive studies are needed, especially in relation to e-workers who have invested in lower-emission home offices. This study has contributed to highlighting the environmental benefit of reducing CO2 emissions of face-to-display workers by not commuting to work. The findings are based on data from an international Austrian company.   Received: 4 February 2021 / Accepted: 24 March 2021 / Published: 10 May 2021