Investing in solar, providing employees with energy-efficient devices. Is some of the ways remote workers and their employers can stay green
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — While the question of whether the mass shift to remote or hybrid working has had a positive or negative impact on the environment overall remains inconclusive, there are still steps those working from home can take to stay committed to a green working environment.
GreenMatch, a free online service that prides itself on providing guidance on environmentally-friendly living, in addition to quotes for energy products from multiple providers, recommended at length the kinds of changes that can be implemented, from major corporations straight down to the individual level.
Its top suggestions that remote workers can adopt range from relatively simple efforts, like avoiding printing paper as much as possible and using eco-friendly work supplies wherever available, to more major undertakings, like investing in “a renewable energy source for electricity”, such as solar panels, or even opting for “a renewable method for heating your home”, such as boilers, heat pumps or thermal solar, which GreenMatch noted gives the added benefit of saving on the cost of energy bills.
The organization explained, “While homes may not pollute as much as corporations do, there are many things you as a homeowner can do to make your home a more eco-friendly house.
“It is important to make a change wherever possible, and your home is something you have control over — so why not make the change?”
Employers can help too
But employers can help their remote-working and hybrid-working employees commit to eco workspaces too, according to WM People — a data and insight-led organization that aims to “improve the world of work” by sharing and disseminating best-practice tips and unique insights.
The WM People team suggested that “responsible organisations will also need to support employees to improve the sustainability of their homeworking setup”, including but not limited to ensuring workers have a functional workspace “that makes use of natural light and reduces the need for round-the-clock heating” and ensuring company equipment being used by remote workers is energy-efficient.
“There are clearly green advantages of videoconferencing as a replacement for travel, and energy savings in operating large buildings,” WM People noted.
“But there are also important benefits to employee well-being and work-life balance to consider in planning a long-term strategy that works on every level.”
Find remote working opportunities today by visiting www.jobs.remoteworker.co.uk
Links
WM People - https://www.wmpeople.co.uk/sustainability-is-working-from-home-really-greener/
GreenMatch - https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/how-to-be-more-eco-friendly