South: Flexible working would have major impact on climate change

An increase in flexible working in the UK will reduce levels of carbon dioxide by 7.8 million tonnes per year by 2030, according to a new study by Regus.  

The economic study, carried out by independent researchers, found that if the growth in flexible workspace continues to increase, commuters in the country could save 115 million hours of commuting time per annum by 2030 from a turn to flexible working.

 Meanwhile, the nation which would see the largest annual carbon emission saving by 2030 is the United States. It is predicted to save nearly 960 million hours in commuting time, and with US commuters relying heavily on cars, this time saved translates to over 100 million tonnes of CO2.  

 The Regus economic study estimated the growth of flexible workspace between now and 2030. The study looked at 16 countries around the world. It predicted that a rise in flexible working could contribute £148 billion to the UK economy by 2030.

Richard Morris, CEO of Regus UK, said: “Simply changing the dominant culture of commuting to a central office for work could contribute towards climate change goals – according to the UN Environment Program, the world needs to slash its annual greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 12 billion-14 billion metric tons by 2030 to have a chance of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.¹ By allowing workers to set up at a location closer to home, and cut down on commuting, millions of tonnes of carbon could be saved each year. With an environment in crisis, offering flexible working isn’t just a business or personal imperative, but one that also benefits the planet.”