Learn why remote work still has an environmental impact and how to measure it effectively
Remote businesses often think their environmental impact is minimal, but digital operations create significant emissions that need measuring and managing.
Your digital footprint matters more than you might think. Every video call, email, and file stored in the cloud relies on energy-intensive data centers. The servers powering your daily operations, along with your laptops and devices, all contribute to climate change through their energy use and manufacturing.
Your home office creates emissions too. A portion of your home's energy usage during work hours - from heating and cooling to powering equipment - counts toward your business footprint. Additionally, every service you purchase, from cloud storage to professional services, carries its own environmental impact.
Reporting is straightforward. You'll track:
- Business portion of home energy use during work hours
- Technology and equipment purchases
- Professional service contracts
- Any business travel or shipping
- Digital infrastructure costs
Understanding these impacts isn't just good for the environment - it's good for business. Many remote companies discover cost-saving opportunities through this process, and having emissions data ready can give you a competitive advantage as more customers focus on supply chain sustainability.
Remember: While remote work can be more environmentally friendly than traditional offices, it still has important impacts that need measuring. Getting started is simpler than you think, and the insights gained can help your business operate more efficiently.