4.2 Working from home and teleworking

Working from home, or teleworking, is often quoted as being a way of reducing commuting and so cutting CO₂ emissions. However, there are only a relatively few jobs that can be done as well at home as in a communal office. Some of the people promoting teleworking appear to have a vested interest; before taking credit for reduced travel emissions, it is also important to consider whether it may mean a house being heated all day in winter, with significantly larger emissions from that source. If you do encourage teleworking, you will need to ensure that the employee’s home has a proper risk assessment and meets health and safety requirements.