Earth Day serves as an annual reminder that every individual and organization has a role to play in protecting the planet. Over the past few years, one unexpected ally in sustainability has emerged: remote work. What began as a necessity during the pandemic has evolved into a conscious decision for many companies and employees. Beyond flexibility and convenience, remote work offers undeniable environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon footprints, minimizing waste and promoting greener lifestyles. As we navigate the future of work, organizations must consider how remote and hybrid work models can serve as a cornerstone of their sustainability strategies.
Reduced carbon emissions from commuting
Transportation remains one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation sector accounted for 28% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, with personal vehicle use being a major factor. The shift to remote work has significantly cut down daily commutes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Bospar’s 2025 survey highlights that 62.3% of Americans believe remote work has had a positive impact on the environment, reflecting a growing awareness of its ecological benefits. Fewer cars on the road mean less air pollution, reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon footprints per employee. A report from Global Workplace Analytics estimates that if those who could work remotely did so at least half the time, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 54 million tons annually, which is the equivalent of taking nearly 10 million cars off the road each year.
According to Bospar’s 2024 Earth Day survey, 77% of Americans believe working from home is better for the planet. And younger generations are calling out corporate hypocrisy: 58% of Gen Z and 52% of millennials believe it’s hypocritical for companies to celebrate Earth Day while forcing employees to commute to the office. Together, this data paints a clear picture that remote work is a powerful tool in reducing emissions and aligning workplace practices with environmental values.
Lower energy consumption in offices
Commercial buildings are another major source of carbon emissions due to heating, cooling, lighting and electronic equipment usage. While some argue that increased home energy use offsets these savings, a 2022 study by the International Energy Agency found that remote work results in a net reduction in energy consumption when factoring in reduced office operations, less commuting and lower demand on public infrastructure.
For companies still operating large office spaces, this presents a clear opportunity. By transitioning to remote or hybrid models, organizations can significantly reduce their energy consumption and lower their environmental impact. Remote work, in this context, is a strategic lever for emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
Employee attitudes towards sustainability and remote work
Sustainability is an increasing priority for today’s workforce. Employees are not only advocating for greener workplace policies but also considering environmental impact when making career decisions. According to Bospar’s latest survey:
- 41.7% of respondents said that environmental concerns influence their opinion on returning to in-office work, preferring remote/hybrid setups for sustainability reasons.
- More than 60% agree that companies should include remote work as part of their sustainability strategy.
And increasingly, workers are acting on those values: 38% of Americans say they’ve specifically asked to work from home because they feel they can be more environmentally conscious. Gen Z and millennials are especially driving this trend, with more than half viewing remote work as essential to aligning their jobs with their climate values.
These figures reflect a shift in employee expectations. Workers want to align with employers who share their environmental values. Companies that ignore this growing sentiment may struggle with attracting and retaining top talent, especially younger professionals who see flexible work and sustainability as intertwined. This generational shift signals that sustainability is a competitive advantage in the job market.
Remote work reduces waste
In-office work environments contribute to substantial waste generation, including disposable coffee cups, paper usage, plastic utensils and office supplies. Research has estimated that a single office worker generates about two pounds of waste per day. That number compounds quickly in large office settings!
Remote work naturally curbs much of this waste. At home, employees are more likely to use reusable mugs, reduce printing and cook their own meals rather than ordering takeout.
Bospar’s 2024 Earth Day survey confirms this: 95% of people working from home report behaving more sustainably without even trying and 66% of those who work from home say they’ve taken proactive steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Among them, 55% said they now eat more at home instead of ordering in, 48% are recycling and composting more, 47% are using more natural light or energy-efficient lights, and 42% are eliminating single-use plastics.
The business case for sustainable remote work policies
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business. Companies integrating remote work into their sustainability initiatives can also reap financial benefits. Reduced energy bills and less travel contribute to significant savings.
Additionally, organizations prioritizing environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals can leverage remote work policies to strengthen their sustainability metrics. As regulatory bodies and investors increasingly scrutinize corporate sustainability efforts, remote work offers a measurable way to reduce carbon footprints and meet environmental goals.
Building a future-ready workforce
Younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are more environmentally conscious than ever. Over 70% of millennials and Gen Z see remote work as environmentally beneficial, and over half prefer remote or hybrid setups specifically for sustainability reasons. Businesses that embrace remote and hybrid work models demonstrate adaptability and responsibility, fostering brand loyalty and employee satisfaction. By supporting sustainability-focused work policies, companies signal that they value both employee well-being and environmental stewardship.
As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s time for businesses to recognize that sustainability and remote work are complementary forces driving a greener future. Companies have the power to make lasting environmental changes simply by embracing flexible work arrangements.
With 58% of Gen Z and 52% of millennials calling out companies that celebrate Earth Day while enforcing in-office policies, it’s clear that sustainable remote work isn’t just a perk, it’s an expectation.
As Earth Day reminds us of the urgency of climate action, forward-thinking companies must recognize that where and how we work can be a catalyst for meaningful change. The path to a greener future lies not in performative gestures, but in systemic shifts that align business operations with environmental values, like integrating remote work into long-term sustainability strategies. At the same time, with employee expectations evolving and public skepticism around corporate sustainability growing, the need for clear, credible communication has never been greater. Bospar helps companies lead with authenticity, crafting messaging that reflects real commitments through expert-led media strategy, reputation management and sustainability communications.
Methodology
Propeller conducted nationally representative online surveys for Bospar in both 2024 and 2025. The 2024 survey included 1,018 U.S. adults, while the 2025 survey sampled 1,031 U.S. adults. Respondents reflected the U.S. population across age, gender, region, and ethnicity. The maximum margin of sampling error was ± 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
About Propeller Insights
Propeller Insights is a full-service market research firm based in Los Angeles. Using quantitative and qualitative methodologies to measure and analyze marketplace and consumer opinions, it works extensively across industries such as travel, brand intelligence, entertainment/media, retail and consumer packaged goods.
