Telework

Telework is a work arrangement where employees work from home (telecommute) or attend conferences and meetings from their computer or by phone (teleconference). Providing telework opportunities is a good way for vehicle fleet managers and corporate decision makers to work with employees to conserve fuel because commuting and work-related travel contribute significantly to total vehicle miles traveled. It also is seen by many employers as an inexpensive perk that helps to recruit competitive employees.

Telecommute Resources

These resources can help corporate decision makers develop and support telework opportunities for employees to conserve fuel.

• Way to Go – a program from the Denver Regional Council of Government that offers telework toolkits and hands-on assistance to help employers set up telework programs

• Telework.gov – telework information for federal employees and agencies
• E-Commutair – a tool developed by the University of California, Berkeley, to help people estimate the environmental impacts of telework

Alternative Work Schedules

Some employers offer compressed work schedules where employees work the same number of hours in fewer days. For example, an employee could work 10 hours per day for 4 days each week instead of 8 hours per day for 5 days. By reducing the weekly number of trips to the office from 5 to 4, this alternative work schedule reduces fuel use and GHG emissions by 20%.

Teleconferencing

Teleconferencing helps employees and companies conserve fuel by hosting meetings and conferences over the phone or Internet. In addition to reduced petroleum use and emissions, teleconferencing can greatly reduce company expenditures by avoiding costly business trips.

More Resources

• PublicTransportation.org
• University of California Riverside's ECO-ITS Research Program
• Washington DOT, Impacts of VMT Reduction Strategies on Selected Areas and Groups(PDF)
• Best Workplaces for Commuters
• Commuter Programs: Quantifying and Using Their Emission Benefits in SIPs and Conformity(PDF)