In the drive to reduce carbon footprints, flexible work models are a game-changer. Flexible work — allowing employees to split time between office and remote work — doesn’t just improve work-life balance but also plays a significant role in supporting sustainability goals. For large enterprises, adopting flexible work practices and workplace management software can help optimize office usage, cut down emissions, and lead the way in eco-friendly corporate practices.
Reducing emissions from employee commuting
The daily commute to work is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in large urban areas. The average American’s daily drive to work increased to 27 miles at the end of 2023 from 10 miles in 2019. According to data from the EPA, 27% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation with individual car use the primary contributor — 57% of emissions come from light-duty vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. This is a significant environmental impact and as cities continue to grow, this burden will only increase.
The migration of individuals to urban centers in pursuit of career and lifestyle improvements is anticipated to swell the ranks of commuters. This upsurge will, in turn, heighten the already critical issue of greenhouse gas emissions, amplifying the challenges of climate change. Commuting’s impacts are not limited to carbon dioxide; it is a significant contributor to air pollution and traffic congestion, which squanders fuel and time. Moreover, the well-being of employees is compromised by lengthy commutes, with studies linking them to heightened stress and diminished job satisfaction.
By implementing flexible work practices, businesses can help reduce the environmental and social costs of commuting:
- Fewer commute days mean fewer emissions: Allowing employees to work remotely even two days per week can cut commuting emissions by up to 40%. For large enterprises with hundreds or thousands of employees, this reduction has a cumulative effect on overall emissions, helping companies reach sustainability targets faster.
- Data-driven insights on commute patterns: Tools such as Condeco by Eptura can support sustainable commuting efforts by analyzing employee attendance and identifying commuting trends. Organizations can use this data to incentivize off-peak commutes, reduce overcrowding in office spaces, and provide insights to employees on carpooling or public transit options.
- Encouraging sustainable commuting choices: With remote work becoming normalized, companies can take it a step further by subsidizing eco-friendly transport options like cycling, electric vehicle charging, and public transport passes, creating a culture that supports lower-impact commuting.
Optimizing existing resources, reducing office waste
Office spaces are notorious for generating significant waste, from disposable materials to inefficient use of supplies. Flexible work arrangements offer a sustainable solution by minimizing excess consumption. For instance, with fewer employees on-site each day, the demand for disposable items like paper products, single-use coffee cups, and plastic utensils decreases.
Using a desk-booking solution allows employees to reserve desks or meeting rooms only when needed, which helps avoid preparing excess supplies for unoccupied workstations. Additionally, fluctuating occupancy rates enable management software to forecast the necessary supply levels for the day. Real-time insights — one of Condeco by Eptura’s capabilities — assist facility managers in optimizing these levels based on actual occupancy, significantly reducing unused and wasted materials. Moreover, by aligning flexible work with sustainability goals, companies can encourage employees to use reusable containers, water bottles, and utensils, further decreasing the demand for single-use items and substantially lowering the office’s waste output.
Supporting energy efficiency with IoT and smart technologies
For large enterprises, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) and smart office technologies with flexible work models offers a powerful way to cut energy use. Workplace management software can act as a control center for these initiatives:
- Smart lighting and HVAC controls: Flexible work combined with IoT technology allows facilities teams to adjust lighting and HVAC systems based on real-time occupancy data. When linked to workplace management tools, these systems can automatically switch off lights or adjust temperatures in unused spaces, saving significant amounts of energy over time.
- Reducing standby power use: Many devices consume energy even when they’re on standby. With real-time occupancy insights, companies can power down office equipment like monitors, printers, and non-essential lighting when fewer employees are on-site, effectively cutting down on “phantom” energy usage.
- Predictive maintenance: Another advantage of integrating IoT with workplace management is the ability to perform predictive maintenance, ensuring that systems are operating efficiently. Predictive maintenance extends the lifespan of equipment, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping new products.
Meeting and exceeding sustainability goals with flexible work schedules
Flexible work models are increasingly recognized for their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering significant benefits such as reduced emissions, resource conservation, and enhanced health and well-being. For large enterprises, these advantages bolster corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, improve reputation, and ensure compliance with evolving environmental regulations.
Adopting sustainable office practices helps attract and retain talent who value environmental responsibility, particularly among younger generations who prefer to work for companies with green credentials. Moreover, integrating sustainability into the work culture enhances a company’s appeal to both stakeholders and consumers. A proactive approach to reducing the corporate carbon footprint demonstrates a commitment to positive environmental impact, boosting brand loyalty and customer trust.
Using sophisticated workplace management software supports sustainability reporting by providing detailed insights into energy savings, occupancy rates, and reductions in resource consumption. This data is crucial for demonstrating progress towards sustainability goals, offering transparency to stakeholders, and fulfilling environmental reporting requirements.
Reducing energy use with flexible office spaces
Flexible work inherently reduces the need for office space by allowing companies to design their spaces around actual usage rather than maximum capacity. There are three main ways a flexible work policy contributes positively to sustainability:
- Lower energy consumption: On average, offices consume substantial energy for heating, cooling, and lighting — even in underutilized spaces. In fact, buildings are currently responsible for almost 40% of global carbon emissions. With flexible work, companies can reduce the space needed by adapting office layout to employee presence, meaning fewer resources are needed to power, light, and cool areas that aren’t regularly occupied.
- Optimizing space with management software: Tools like Condeco by Eptura’s workplace management software enable leaders to track real-time office occupancy, energy needs, and space use. By analyzing occupancy data, enterprises can better manage energy usage, turning off systems in areas that aren’t being used, or closing entire floors on remote-heavy days.
- Supporting green building standards: Many buildings are embracing eco-certifications such as LEED and WELL, which incentivize energy efficiency. Integrating flexible work practices can help buildings qualify for these certifications by proving lower energy consumption, a benefit that resonates with environmental regulations and organizational sustainability targets.
Becoming greener with flexible work and the right tools
For future-focused organizations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, sustainably managed office operations are no longer an option. By embracing flexible work, supported by intelligent workplace management software, companies can cut down on emissions, reduce energy use, and operate more efficiently. This approach fosters a culture of sustainability and positions enterprises as leaders in corporate responsibility. With flexible work as a foundation for sustainable office practices, companies can drive positive environmental impact while also achieving growth and operational efficiency.
Ready to align flexible work and environmental responsibility? Get in touch with Condeco by Eptura.
