The reduction of our carbon footprint is one of the biggest challenges of our era.
As an industry, Telecoms is committed to decreasing its carbon emission by 45%, by 2030.
However, the Telecoms industry could be playing an even bigger role in making our planet greener by reducing our need to travel for work.
In countries like the UK and the US, the transport sector is now responsible for emitting more greenhouse gases than any other, including electricity production and agriculture. Globally, transport accounts for around a quarter of CO2 emissions.
During the first lockdown in March 2020, we were able to witness first-hand the impact of travelling on our environment.
All countries that applied lockdown rules have noticed a drastic reduction in their greenhouse emission. The US has even registered its highest fall in carbon emission since World War II.
In the UK, work-related travel amounts for a considerable part of total travel-generated pollution due to:
- daily commute: In the UK, we collectively produce 77.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year, which accounts for 25% of our transport gas emission
- business travel: business travel typically represents 50 per cent of a company’s greenhouse gas emissions
These major sources of gas emissions could be significantly lower with the wider adoption of technologies such as:
- videoconferencing Apps like Teams, allow many companies to almost remove the need for in-person meetings
- Softphone Apps, such as those offered by 2 Circles, allow employees to keep the same standard of service, offering employees the same phone functionalities at home than at the office, without any extra cost
- reliable broadband supporting the surge in data consumption necessary to fuel these apps
Due to the changing habits and growing concern for the environment, many experts suggest that will see a rise in hybrid working post-Covid.
Half of UK workers (48%) are concerned about the negative environmental impact of business travel – with a third (39%) actively wanting to reduce the number of times they travel for work.
If UK workers (who can work remotely) choose to work from home twice a week, the UK would see an annual 14.3 megatonne CO2 decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from travel – more than the total emissions for Northern Ireland*.
If you are looking to reduce your carbon emission through remote working, please do not hesitate to contact 03456 200 200 or info@2circles.com.
Sources:
https://www.raconteur.net/sustainability/reducing-corporate-carbon-footprint/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55632050
Image by rawpixel.com
“For all the obvious negatives, lockdown has confirmed that with the right technology in place, flexible working works. It has become increasingly clear that many businesses can operate without the need for continuous, and often unnecessary travel, with a positive impact on the environment. Connectivity should be at the heart of our economy as we rebuild from the pandemic – keeping businesses connected and helping to reduce our negative impact on the environment.” Katy Liddell, Director of Business Sales & Service at O2
unknownx500
