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A global challenge. A homeworking solution
The Stern Review of Climate Change was published today. It was hard-hitting
and highlighted the catastrophic implications of ignoring climate change. What
was not mentioned is the vital role that homeworking can play in offering a
solution.
Stern words
The Stern Review on Climate Change is being called "the most comprehensive
review ever carried out on the economics of climate change." The report has been
carried out by Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the Government Economic Service and
former World Bank Chief Economist.
Applying economic models, the Review estimates that if there is no action,
the overall costs and risks of climate change will be equivalent to losing at
least 5% of global GDP each year, now and forever. If a wider range of risks and
impacts are taken into account, this could rise to 20% of GDP or more.
In environmental terms, the rise in temperature could be equivalent to the
change in average temperatures from the last ice age to today. Such a dramatic
increase is, undeniably, dangerous. Sir Nicholas said of the Review's findings:
"Governments, businesses and individuals all need to work together to
respond to the challenge. The task is urgent and we must not let this window of
opportunity close."
The Government Response
In responding to the Review, Chancellor Gordon Brown called for "a Britain
that is both pro-growth and pro-green." To this end, he announced a number of
measures including:
- appointing former American Vice-President, Al Gore, as his adviser on
environmental issues
- setting a new European-wide emissions reduction target; 30 per cent by 2020
and at least 60 per cent by 2050
- exploring ways of mobilising international resources to assist developing
countries in sustainable forestry management.
What there was no mention of was homeworking; an effective and simple route
to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the energy efficiency of
buildings right across the UK.
The Evidence
In one report after another, from credible bodies such as the RAC Foundation,
BT and Forum for the Future, the environmental benefits of homeworking have been
extolled.
- The RAC Foundation claims that if every business motorist worked from home
once per week, it would reduce total CO2 emissions by 1% and take 1.7 million
cars off the road
- BT has revealed that its homeworking employees are eliminating 47,400 tonnes
of CO2 travel-related emissions
And, as James Goodman of Forum for the Future wrote in his own report:
"Telework/Homeworking on its own is not going to save the world, but it
is an example of the sort of behaviour that the Government should be
encouraging. If companies are given the right incentives, if the Government
provides guidelines on encouraging green telework, then this way of working
could make a significant contribution to sustainable development in the
UK."
Homeworking offers a solution
We are calling on the Government to recognise homeworking as a significant
contributor to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and to pro-actively support
this modern and environmentally friendly way of working.
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