IWG Study Shows Hybrid Work Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

Topics related to sustainability have become increasingly prevalent in the commercial real estate market, and here at REsource, we see a surge in discussions around ESG issues and environmental certifications.

A study conducted by IWG in collaboration with ARUP in the United Kingdom and the United States reveals that adopting a hybrid work model can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The study highlights that the changing dynamics of work are leading to a significant reduction in global emissions as the need for daily commuting decreases.

The research was conducted in six British cities, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow, and it unveiled that hybrid work can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%. The impact can be even greater in the United States, reaching 87%. The six cities analyzed are New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

The widespread adoption of hybrid work during the pandemic has revealed that two-thirds of workers in the US can operate remotely. Furthermore, 84% of UK workers who experienced hybrid work during the crisis intend to continue embracing this approach.

Once seen as a physical location where people needed to be present every day, the office is undergoing a transformation with the mass adoption of hybrid work. This shift contributes to reducing carbon emissions and benefits workers by reducing stress, commuting time, and the environmental impact of traveling between home and the office.

While growth is a priority for IWG, the company is committed to responsible expansion as a carbon-neutral organization. Its actions to limit and offset environmental impact yield positive results, with a high rating from MSCI.

As world leaders face environmental challenges, transforming the work environment can be crucial to the solution. The possibility of drastically reducing emissions through a decrease in daily commuting is an encouraging sign.

"The world is heading towards 2°C to 3°C of global warming", says Johan Rockstrom, co-chair of the Earth Commission and Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. "To maintain livable conditions on Earth, protect people from rising extremes, and enable a stable society, we must do everything possible to prevent crossing tipping points. Every tenth of a degree counts."

Transitioning to a more flexible and sustainable work environment is a step towards addressing climate challenges and creating a future in a healthier habitat for future generations.

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