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Energy systems expert: Return-to-office mandate to hike emissions

Media Contact

Jeff Tyson

President Trump is requiring federal employees to end remote work arrangements and return to the office.


Fengqi You

Roxanne E. and Michael J. Zak Professor in Energy Systems Engineering

Fengqi You, a professor of energy systems engineering at Cornell University, has researched the environmental benefits of remote and hybrid work. He says the president’s return-to-office mandate would have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

You says:

“Returning federal employees to full-time office work would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions due to commuting and office energy use. Our past research shows that remote work can cut carbon footprints by up to 54%, while hybrid models offer reductions of 11–29%. Shifting entirely back to in-office work would undo these environmental benefits and exacerbate emissions from personal vehicle use, particularly in areas lacking robust public transportation.”

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