Commutes to alternative workplaces: GHG emissions and physical activity

In Europe, remote work is increasing, driven by technological advances and behavioural shifts. Working from home may potentially reduce commuting-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but can also remove incidental physical activity during commutes. Alternative work locations, such as co-working spaces, are a third option, with potential impacts on travel-related emissions and physical activity. This paper examines commuting behaviours of remote workers in Finland to their employer and alternative work locations, assessing differences in distances, modes and active travel levels; characterising different types of remote workers; and mapping how co-working spaces can support 15-min cities in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. A survey collected remote worker socio-demographic characteristics, and the mode and frequency of travel between home and work locations. Travel time, distance, and emissions were estimated and compared between work locations, and used to develop remote worker typologies using clustering analysis, while spatial analysis was used to locate potential future co-working spaces to leverage potential benefits. Results show those working from designated alternative workspaces had lower single-trip emissions and were more likely to use active travel than those travelling to employer offices. However, long-distance travel for remote work at cottages or holiday homes resulted in high emission rebound effects.

POLICY RELEVANCE

Remote working has the potential to reduce commuting-related GHG emissions, but may also increase sedentary behaviour as workers stay at home, and often with poor ergonomics. Alternative third workspaces such as co-working spaces appear to offer a compromise, with shorter commuting distances reducing potential emissions and increasing the likelihood of using active travel, as well as better ergonomic environments. However, remote working from third locations may also facilitate rebound travel behaviours, where individuals travel to distant remote work locations. Policies supporting local co-working spaces, and their strategic placement, may offer a potential remote work compromise which encourages more physical activity. Through understanding the types and travel behaviours of people who work remotely, it may be possible to strategically locate co-working spaces to encourage low emission and active commuting and help support the 15-min city concept by shifting work locations.