Work and environment

Smart working can cut CO2 emissions by 75 per cent

This is shown by a study carried out by researchers from Enea and the Bank of Italy on remote working, based on 4,255 answers

by Davide Madeddu

7 May 2026

Immagine concettuale che illustra il problema delle emissioni di anidride carbonica e il loro impatto sulla natura. (Adobe Stock)

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Smart working is good for the environment. And reducing home-work journeys can help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 75%. This is what emerges from a study carried out by researchers from ENEA and the Bank of Italy on remote working, based on 4,255 responses to a questionnaire administered to Bank of Italy staff. In detail, it was found that in a day of remote work, average emissions per capita are 1.1 kg of CO₂e, about four times lower than those produced by commuting to work (4.1 kg of CO₂e).

From estimates the reference points

"These estimates," emphasises the ENEA multi-departmental team that conducted the survey, "could also become a reference for other institutions and companies, allowing them to more accurately assess the indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the remote work of their employees.

From heating to computers

That's not all: 63% of the emissions related to additional energy consumption in the home are due to heating and 29% to cooling, while computers and lighting account for 8%.

The study does not limit itself to an analysis of average emissions, but also covers emissions differentiated by climate zone, linked to individual extra domestic energy consumption and 'applicable to each day of work performed remotely, irrespective of the month in which the work is performed'.

The car is preferred

A few figures suffice: the average distance to work is 22.2 kilometres travelled in 42 minutes.

"For teleworking employees, who do their work mainly from home, the average distance to the office is 78.4 kilometres with an average travel time of about 87 minutes," the study points out. The most frequently used means of transport are the train and the private car, respectively accounting for 39% and 38% of the kilometres travelled. As far as fuel is concerned, petrol and diesel dominate (the overall percentage is 70%). Then there are traditional hybrids (14%), LPG or methane (10%), plug-in hybrids (3%), and electric (3%).

Only 13% walk

Only 13% of employees walk to work, while just under 4% use motorbikes, bicycles or electric scooters.

"The study shows how remote working can be a concrete and effective solution for reducing energy consumption, the relevance of which is accentuated in the current geopolitical context," concludes the research team. "In this regard, the International Energy Agency confirms the use of remote working among the recommended measures to curb energy demand and mitigate the impact of rising prices on consumers.