Assessing Commuting Energy and Emissions Savings through Remote Working and Carpooling: Lessons from an Italian Region

Abstract

Effective solutions are needed to decrease the greenhouse gases emissions of the transport sector, not only in terms of supply-side measures, but also including demand-side solutions. This paper focuses on the passenger demand related to daily commuting, either for work or study purposes. A bottom-up analysis is presented, which draws from detailed data for Lombardy, the most populous region in Northern Italy, to build an estimate of the annual energy consumption and emissions related to commuting. The potential of different measures to decrease emissions is evaluated, including the renovation of the vehicle stock, higher levels of remote working, and the deployment of carpooling schemes. The results show that the largest part of the current emissions from commuting is caused by car use, both due to its higher modal share and to the higher specific emissions, which are in turn also contributed by the low occupancy rates. The renewal of the current vehicle stock can lead to significant emission savings, thanks to both improved efficiency and higher shares of electrification. Remote working could also play a significant part, especially when it is applied to workers that face the longest commuting distances. Conversely, carpooling seems to be providing lower benefits, not so much because of lower effectiveness but more so because of constraints and barriers to its implementation.

A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working

“…In their survey of 800 individuals across Italy, Fabiani et al [22] calculated that beyond 10 km of distance, remote working gives a positive environmental impact, in terms of global warming potential. Also, Noussan et al [23] underlined that such a working practice can be an effective action for energy consumption and emission reduction, in particular, allowing for a 16-17% of emissions reduction when long commuting distances are avoided. Notably, when remote working is applied, office space is often rationalized, leading to increased cost (and emissions) savings.…”

Carbon Intensity of Passenger Transport Modes: A Review of Emission Factors, Their Variability and the Main Drivers

“…This parameter is even more relevant when evaluating the specific effect of measures that aim to increase vehicle occupancy, such as carpooling schemes. Proper assessment of the effect of these schemes requires the possibility of separating the effect of vehicle occupancy on emission factors [58].…”

Proposal for an Institutional Carpooling System among Workers from the Public-Education Sector

“…The system will inform users on the amount of emissions to the environment saved [8,39] 3.1. "SENECA" Web Platform for Teachers SENECA is a web platform designed for teachers and managed by the Education Department of the Region of Andalusia.…”