How much does hybrid working cut carbon emissions?

Studies find a third of white-collar employees will continue working in a hybrid way.

Hybrid working can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% in the United Kingdom and 87% in the United States, a report found. 

The report, conducted by IWG and Arup, linked this to the "dramatic" reduction in commuting.

Businesses are increasingly looking for buildings with green leases to reduce carbon emissions and enhance their environmental performance. 

In 2024, companies will likely go after leases that offer more than energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor air quality. 

“The migration to hybrid is one of the most important forces at play in the world today as workers increasingly embrace the opportunity to work locally, bringing significant opportunities to the economies of local communities as well as creating a better work-life balance for employees,” Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, said.

“Hybrid working is radically reshaping how we work. Businesses that embrace it will attract the best talent and get the most out of their workforces all while reducing their bottom line. This pace of change will continue in 2024, with an increasing number of employees and businesses understanding the clear financial, cultural, and sustainability benefits that flexible working models can bring.”

IWG noted that ongoing research at Stanford University and other institutes projected that a third or more of white-collar workers will be under a hybrid setup in the long term.