Latest research reveals significant environmental benefits of hybrid working

• Businesses have cut energy usage by a fifth (19%) as a result of the more efficient use of office space or by providing teams access to flexible workspace
• 84% of businesses that have adopted hybrid working have reduced their energy usage and overall carbon footprint
• More than three quarters are looking to explore additional avenues for reducing energy consumption, such as downsizing existing city-centre office spaces or offering employees access to flexible workspaces
• Environmental impact study conducted by IWG and ARUP found that working closer to home can slash carbon emissions by up to 90%

Hybrid working has enabled businesses to cut energy usage by a fifth* as they replace large city centre office space with smaller, more energy efficient spaces including flexible workspaces, according to new research released.

IWG, the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Spaces and Regus, surveyed more than 500 leaders and facilities managers at businesses that have adopted hybrid working policies. The findings revealed that average energy consumption in those companies has fallen by 19% since the introduction of hybrid working policies, benefiting both the environment and their bottom line.

The study, undertaken ahead of World Earth Day (22nd April), demonstrates significant environmental and economic benefits for businesses transitioning away from expensive city centre office spaces towards hybrid working models which utilise smaller, regional offices and co-working buildings in strategic locations close to where employees live.

Almost half of those surveyed (44%) have reduced their traditional office space by a quarter (25%), leading to reduced energy consumption and operational costs. A further 19% have achieved even greater reductions, slashing office space by 26-50%. A resounding 84% said hybrid working has been key to reduction of their company's overall energy usage and carbon footprint, with even greater reduction predicted as 79% of businesses said they intend to explore additional avenues for reducing energy consumption, such as downsizing their existing office spaces or facilitating access to flexible workspaces.

A previous environmental impact study conducted by IWG and ARUP found that working closer to home can slash carbon emissions by up to 70% in Manchester (UK), 87% in Los Angeles (USA), 82% in New York City, and almost 90% in Atlanta, primarily due to reductions in building and transport emissions**.

Smaller, regional flexible workspaces boast higher occupancy rates and consequently lower emissions per employee. An earlier IWG survey*** showed that only one in five would commute more than 30 minutes daily, while 60 per cent want to work within 15 minutes of home.

Source:
* Research among 511 business leaders and facilities managers in the UK who work hybrid in April 2024 by Mortar Research. Mortar Research is accredited by the Market Research Society.
** Study titled The future of work: A cleaner, hybrid future published in April 2023 by IWG and ARUP
*** Research among 2,000 participants in February 2023 by Mortar Research. Mortar Research is accredited by the Market Research Society
Photo: Spaces Corvin Towers 5226 Budapest Hungary - Business Lounge Corvin Towers