Is Telecommuting Greener?

You'd think so, but the answer isn't that easy
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 12, 2010 6:00 PM CDT
Is Telecommuting Greener?
You might want to work from home, but is it actually more eco-friendly?   (©rintakumpu)

Unless your idea of fun happens to include "exhaust, tiny workspaces, dress codes, and wasting your time," telecommuting is fantastic, writes Brian Palmer in Slate. Studies have shown that it's also "a win-win" for employers and employees in terms of productivity and quality of work. And it's greener, right? Maybe. "Unfortunately, the environmental benefits aren't quite as clear," he explains.

Even though you eliminate all those nasty emissions—not to mention the need to consume fossil fuels—by not driving to work, the corporate office is "a more energy-efficient work environment than the average American home" in terms of things like heating and cooling. Plus, if you're working from home, you're also doing "a whole bunch of energy-intensive things" you wouldn't do at the office, like popping out to the bank (in your car!), washing a load of laundry, or watching TV (don't tell the boss!). Ultimately, it "depends on how far you live from work and how you get there." Click here for the full explanation.
(More telecommuting stories.)

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