WFH as an Energy-Saving Weapon Amid Looming Crisis: Is This Policy Truly Effective?
Work-from-home (WFH) policies are once again in the spotlight amid the global energy crisis sparked by the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The surge in global oil prices and disruptions to energy supplies have prompted many countries to seek rapid ways to curb fuel consumption, including limiting public mobility.
Global energy distribution disruptions, particularly along strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz—which supplies much of the world’s oil trade—have raised fears of a prolonged energy crisis.
In this situation, governments and companies in various countries are reviving WFH policies as an emergency measure to save energy and maintain economic stability.
WFH is being promoted as a practical solution because it can immediately reduce energy consumption, especially in the transportation sector. This policy is deemed relevant in emergency conditions when energy prices soar and supplies are unstable.
But what is the actual impact of WFH on energy savings? Here is more detailed information, as reported by Science Alert on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
- The greatest energy savings come from transportation
Several studies show that the most significant impact of WFH is the reduction in energy use in the transportation sector. Without daily commutes using private vehicles or public transport, fuel consumption drops dramatically.
Research published in scientific journals has found that working from home can reduce carbon emissions by around 29 per cent, particularly for workers who previously commuted long distances every day. This means the longer the commuting distance, the greater the potential energy savings from WFH.
- Household energy consumption actually increases
On the other hand, WFH leads to increased energy use at home. Activities previously conducted in the office now shift to the household environment.
The use of electronic devices such as laptops, air conditioning, lights, and internet connections rises during working hours. Additionally, extra activities like cooking and using household appliances also contribute to higher energy consumption.
Some studies even indicate that the increase in household energy can offset part of the savings benefits from the transportation sector.