Analysis: A new study has examined how working from home combined with use of electric cars affects commuting patterns and air pollution in Dublin
By Agnieszka Stefaniec, Brian Caulfield, TCD, William Brazil, Warren Whitney, Wen Zhang and Barry Colleary, National Transport Authority
The Covid pandemic has transformed 'working from home' (WFH) from a temporary solution into a lasting trend. This shift, combined with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), presents an opportunity to reduce transport emissions. A study by Trinity College Dublin and the National Transport Authority (NTA) explored these possibilities in the Dublin region.
The shift to working from home
The concept of working from home has now become a permanent aspect of many jobs and this shift, particularly in white-collar professions, presents a unique opportunity to combat climate change.
The study focused on the Dublin region outlines a promising scenario: if half of the white-collar workforce continues to work remotely and a third of cars are replaced with EVs by 2030, we could witness a dramatic decrease in emissions. Specifically, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions could be reduced by up to 35%, and particulate matter (PM) emissions, an important air quality indicator, by 25%.
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Diminishing returns in working from home
An interesting aspect of the study is the concept of diminishing returns associated with WFH. Initially, transitioning to a moderate WFH setup, yields significant environmental benefits, reducing travel distances and emissions. But increasing the frequency of WFH does not linearly increase these benefits. A surprising finding of the study is that as work-related travel decreases, people tend to use their cars more for other activities, thus somewhat negating the environmental benefits gained from reduced commuting.
The role of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles play a vital role in this evolving situation. Replacing a third of private cars with EVs could result in similar CO2 emission savings and even greater reductions in other emissions compared to moderate remote work strategies.
However, it is crucial to recognise that EVs are not a complete solution. They significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but their production of particulate matter, mainly from tyre and road wear, remains a concern. Additionally, the transition to EVs is less cost-effective compared to working from home strategies, owing to the high government subsidies and tax reliefs involved.
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A roadmap for sustainable urban living
The study emphasises the need for a balanced approach. Solely relying on working from home and electric cars may not suffice, as a reduction in commuter trips could lead to an increase in other forms of travel, possibly offsetting the environmental gains.
Moreover, a heavy dependence on private vehicles, even electric ones, perpetuates a car-dependent urban system, which is counterproductive to achieving sustainable urban living. This suggests the need for additional measures to discourage overall car usage.
As work-related travel decreases, people tend to use their cars more for other activities, thus negating the environmental benefits gained from reduced commuting
This research highlights the importance of a comprehensive strategy that considers the interplay of various factors like WFH and electric vehicles. The decline in commuting traffic offers a unique chance to reimagine urban transport systems, steering them towards sustainability and reduced reliance on cars.
The combined impact of increased working from home and the adoption of electric vehicles holds great promise for reducing emissions and improving air quality in Dublin. However, this needs to be part of a broader, more nuanced strategy that addresses the complexities of urban transport and lifestyle choices. As we move forward, it is essential to strike a balance that maximises environmental benefits while fostering a sustainable, healthy, and efficient urban living environment.
Dr Agnieszka Stefaniec is a Research Fellow at the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at TCD and an Affiliated Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at the Södertörn University in Stockholm, Sweden. Prof Brian Caulfield is Professor in Transportation and Head of Discipline in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at TCD. Dr William Brazil is Transport Modeller at National Transport Authority and Adjunct Assistant Professor at TCD. Dr. Warren Whitney is a Transport Modeller at the National Transport Authority. Wen Zhang is a Transport Modeller at the National Transport Authority and a PhD student at TCD. Barry Colleary is Head of Transport Modelling at the National Transport Authority and Adjunct Assistant Professor at TCD.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
