In March 2020, America confirmed its first COVID-19 case. Immediately afterward, many organizations announced initiatives to get people working from home whenever possible. This included not just tech companies, customer service centers, and banks but even government agencies. The streets emptied around the world, so much so that CNBC reported wildlife <\/a>had begun to wander into urban centers to improve environmental effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When most people think of remote work, digital nomads and stay-at-home parents come to mind. This illustrates both ends of the vast remote work spectrum. At one end are traveling millennials taking extended gap years with perhaps no intention of returning home to regular life. These professionals complete work assignments ranging from freelance writing to software development. More often than not, they work as independent contractors who serve clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the other end are people grounded in long-term locations working for companies that may still just be a quick 15-minute drive from home. These professionals are generally employees and often still need to report to work once per week or even once per month. Up until COVID-19, remote workers tended to be at the mid-level point or higher in their careers and could leverage better remote work terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Put simply, remote work covers a large base area. During the current pandemic, most remote workers are remaining grounded to one long-term location. That means fewer vehicles on the road honking in rush-hour traffic and less time spent on subways. How long can this new reality last, though?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, there are millions of Americans who can work from home but whose employers insisted that they continue to report to work. Meanwhile, the managers at mid-level and higher work from home. Among these professionals are accountants, paralegals, designers and marketers. Even so, millions more Americans have now received the opportunity to work from home \u2014 some for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remote work had gradually gained popularity over the past few years and remains one of the most sought-after perks. By 2019, there were already millions of Americans working from home. In the fall of 2019, CNBC reported that at least 8 million people<\/a> worked entirely from home in America, which is roughly 5.3% of the U.S. working population. NPR reported that the pandemic caused this number to grow exponentially to a third of Americans<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since then, lifestyle blogs and news companies alike have wondered aloud whether this new reality could become a permanent one for workers. One survey implies the answer is a resounding \u201cyes.\u201d A Gartner survey revealed that 74% of CFOs planned to keep remote work in place beyond the pandemic. In fact, some planned to make permanent remote work changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most relatable way to compare the impact of fewer cars on the roads is to look at the use of fuel. Many people currently working from home report that even with runs to the grocery store, they haven\u2019t bought gas since the pandemic first started. Few people can remember a time when a tank of gas could serve for a month, much less several months. There are broader implications to consider as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the past few years, people have become increasingly conscious of their consumption levels and how to reduce it. For some, this meant trading in gas guzzlers for hybrids and electric vehicles. However, most people charge electric vehicles from electrical grids that are still powered by fossil fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While this energy consumption is less than what it takes to run a gas-powered car, it does not negate the fact that even EVs run on fossil fuels for the most part. By simply staying home more often, people lower the fossil fuel consumption usually spent on transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. Environmental effects Protection Agency estimates that transportation accounted for 28.2% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2017. The main culprits included minivans, pickup trucks, light-duty trucks, SUVs and even small passenger vehicles. The EPA estimated total greenhouse gases at 6,677 tons. If a third of U.S. workers continue to work remotely, that number could fall by up to 627 million tons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, this only applies if remote workers continued to work at home. Remote workers who travel across the country in recreational vehicles or who fly around the world and live in hotel rooms contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. They also, however, contribute to local economies around the world, which is another important aspect of sustainability and environmental effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It takes less energy to power a home than it does to power a commercial building. Think of all the equipment buildings need to stay functional and safe while accommodating business operations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What makes businesses use more energy is the open space and how much of it goes unused. In a home, people have the option of only lighting the rooms they use. Many homeowners have even installed mini-split HVAC units that heat and cool rooms individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe world is healing,\u201d became a common theme on social media as people shared some of the amazing effects on the environment of quarantine at home efforts on a mass scale. While many countries and American states are reopening, a significant number of companies have made it clear they intend to keep work-from-home initiatives in place until the end of the year at least. Tech companies dominate this group and include the likes of Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is Remote Work?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Is Remote Work Here To Stay?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
What Will This Mean for the Environment?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Reduced Fossil Fuel Consumption<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Reduced Greenhouse Gases<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Reduced Energy Consumption<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Better Air Quality<\/h5>\n\n\n\n