Without sustainability, as leaders of SMEs, any gains we make from hybrid working will be short lived. With careful management, we can contribute to change and better people –planet-profit outcomes. This module is structured in three learning units and aims to increase your understanding of digital sustainability in context of hybrid working and motivate to you to instigate change.

1. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
www.prosper-project.eu
Digital Sustainability in
context of hybrid
working
Module 4 / Unit 1

2. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the
author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the
European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European
Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Post Pandemic Empowerment Programme © 2023 by Die Berater/
European E-Learning Institute/ BUPNET/ CATRO/ Momentum/
Smart Revolution/ Eurotraining is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

3. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Introduction
Without sustainability, as leaders of SMEs, any gains we make from hybrid working will be short lived. With
careful management, we can contribute to change and better people –planet-profit outcomes. This
module is structured in three learning units and aims to increase your understanding of digital
sustainability in context of hybrid working and motivate to you to instigate change.
The main focus of Module 4 Unit 1 is to serve as an introduction to the meaning and importance of
sustainability in the context of hybrid working. We introduce you to SDGs and focus on how three SDGs
3,8 and 13 have particular relevance to SMEs adopting hybrid working practices. We then deepen this
learning through introducing ESGs (environmental, social, and governance), the three key factors when
measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in business. Finally, we examine the
impact of hybrid working on the environment, and how we can make a difference. We learn from a case
study and the 5 ways to measure the environmental impact of hybrid working.

4. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Table of Contents
01
02
03
Understand the meaning and importance of sustainability in context of hybrid
working
Analyse the contribution of hybrid working to SDGs and ESGs
Understand environmental sustainability in context of hybrid work
04 Self-Assessment
05 Transition to next unite

5. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
KNOWLEDGE:
Learning Outcomes
SKILLS:
BEHAVIOURS:
ATTITUDES:
Continuous learning mindset, the world of sustainability and digital tools is constantly
evolving, and SMEs need to be able to keep up with the latest developments and
updates.
Have a positive attitude towards sustainability approaches and be open to using new
tools and methods to improve sustainability performance of your SME though hybrid
working .
Sustainability skills in a digital context, SDGs and ESG skills environmental awareness
Sustainability approaches to suit a hybrid world: Professionals need to be familiar with
sustainability tools and understand how they can be used to contribute to SDGs and ESG.

6. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Sustainability in
Context of Hybrid
Working
01

7. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability: Meeting our present needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission
1987).
Woven with climate change
Climate change has become the challenge of a
generation and is a predominant theme throughout
media, from government reports to Hollywood films.
The science behind climate change can be daunting,
with 75% of young people stating they are frightened
about what the future holds.
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
I. Sustainability - Meaning
Source: Time.com https://time.com/6097677/young-people-climate-
change-anxiety/
Find out more about Brundtland Commission (World Commission on
Environment and Development) | SpringerLink
How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real?
According to NASA, there is unequivocal evidence that
Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate. Human
activity is the principal cause.
Global Temperature + 1.1 °C since preindustrial
Carbon Dioxide +419 parts per million(current)
Sea Level +4 inches since January 1992
Ocean Warming +345 zettajoules since 1955
Source: NASA Evidence | Facts – Climate Change: Vital Signs of
the Planet (nasa.gov)

8. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
In the context of the PROSPER project, and as our planet is
now reaching a ‘code red’ situation, sustainability refers to
the ability to maintain or support a process continuously
over time, IGI Global, What is Sustainability | IGI Global
(igi-global.com)
The three pillars of sustainability are:
People Planet Profit
CFI, 2022, Sustainability - Definition, Three Pillars, and Five
Domains (corporatefinanceinstitute.com)
All three are vital to the health of our businesses, and also to
our wider community. Balancing these pillars is a
continuous work in progress particularly when the
business environment is changing at such pace.

9. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Sustainability is the key to a better future!
We cannot maintain our Earth’s ecosystems or
continue to function as we do if more
sustainable choices are not made. If harmful
processes are maintained with no change, it
is likely that we will run out of fossil fuels,
huge numbers of animal species will
become extinct, and the atmosphere will be
irreparably damaged.
In a sustainable society, humans live in
harmony with the natural environment,
conserving resources for their future
generations, so that everyone enjoys social
justice and a high quality of life.
Business has a key role to play. Everyone has a role to play
in the fight against climate change and to build back
better from COVID-19. As businesses, we must play a
leadership role in our communities in finding ways to
reduce emissions, use fewer resources, create
opportunities in the circular economy, and protect
biodiversity while striving for a more sustainable world.
Operating any business through COVID-
19, vastly increasing inflation and
energy costs and supply chain
challenges is making many simple
operations a harder task for everyone.
Legislation from the EU is also
mandating us to take action – and
quickly.
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
II. Why Is Sustainability Important?

10. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Reduction of carbon
footprints, water
usage, non-
decomposable
packaging, and
wasteful processes
as part of a supply
chain
Treating employees
fairly and ensuring
responsible, ethical,
and sustainable
treatment of
employees,
stakeholders, and
the community in
which a business
operates
Being profitable and
producing enough
revenues to be
continued into the
future, and
generating profit in
accordance with
other elements of
sustainability
Planet
Environmental Protection
Profit
Economic Development
People
Social Development
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
III. Three Pillars of Sustainability
TWI What is Sustainability and why is it so Important? - TWI (twi-global.com)

11. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
There is a clear trend of going green. Companies at every maturity level report they have realised or expect
to realise a variety of benefits from sustainable practices in the form of improved efficiencies, improved
compliance, improved employee recruitment and/or retention, and reduced waste. Companies are
investing in people, process, and technology improvements because they understand that it takes a
multi-faceted approach to achieve sustainability progress and success.
Companies with more transparent sustainability strategies, which can demonstrate positive work to
address environmental issues, could win the loyalty of the customers. Environmental, social and
corporate governance (ESG) factors — which measure the sustainability and societal impact of a
company — are important (more later).
And then, there is a push by consumers …
• According to IBM, six out of ten shoppers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce their
environmental impact.
• Search data from Amazon shows consumers are searching for environmentally friendly products more
than they were just a few years ago.
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
IV. Sustainability Incentives for SMEs
Source: IBM Report

12. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
There is no doubt about it, the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated or moved to remote and hybrid work
arrangements. Many businesses were forced into adopting such models, without having policies or
strategies in place. We did not know how long working in remote and hybrid formats was going to last but
we adapted as we needed to, and it actually provided our SMEs with insight into the tangible benefits of
adopting a remote work and then a hybrid working model which has been very well received by employees.
These dramatic changes in mobility, production, and consumption patterns, temporarily reduced global CO2
emissions by 17% in April 2020 compared to peak 2019 levels. But what seemed like a promising trend soon
faded away: emissions are now almost back at pre-pandemic levels, even as employees aren’t.
Nature.com 2020: Temporary reduction in daily global CO2 emissions during the COVID-19 forced confinement
| Nature Climate Change
Many assumed that remote work would lead to environmental sustainability gains, but this is not as
straightforward as it seems as we will see later in this unit. Thus, hybrid work can bring more advantageous
opportunities.
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
V. COVID-19 has been a game-changer

13. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Why is hybrid working smart and sustainable for SMEs?
HSBC, 2021 Why the future of work is hybrid? (hsbc.com) tell us
that the incentives are happier employees lower overheads
increase your productivity what's not to love about the
hybrid workplace? The HSBC survey reveals that
• 77% of higher growth companies in the survey report higher
productivity levels
• 66% say it will help them expand into new markets
• 66% of businesses expect a shift in working patterns to boost
their environmental, social and governance ESG credentials
and
• 69% think hybrid working will be good for the environment
1. Sustainability in Context of
Hybrid Working
VI. Sustainability Incentives for SMEs

14. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
1. Energy Footprint
The impact of hybrid work on energy use is mixed, with some studies
finding a positive effect, while others indicating a neutral or even a
negative impact on energy use.
Ultimately, such impacts can vary substantially by employee’s individual
characteristics (e.g., awareness, attitudes, family size, wealth), home
infrastructure (e.g., building energy ratings, supplier), and even
situational factors (e.g., geographic location and season).
When companies craft remote work policies, for instance by subsidising
home energy bills, they also need to account for sustainability
impacts from residential energy emissions.
Sources: https://www.zevero.earth/post/carbon-emissions-whats-the-impact-of-hybrid-
working and How Remote Working Contributes to Energy Conservation
(unsustainablemagazine.com)
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working

15. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
1. Energy Footprint
According to a study by the International Energy
Agency (IEA), Working from home can save
energy and reduce emissions. But how much?
– Analysis - IEA , electricity consumption in
people’s homes jumped by 15% in the days
after lockdown began.
This suggests that workers who usually use public
transportation or drive less than 6km each way
could actually be increasing their total
emissions when they are working from home.
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
Graphic courtesy of the FT. Link here.

16. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
2. Transportation Footprint
Reduced commuting when working from home will undoubtedly
yield environmental benefits, but there is emerging evidence of
rebound effects, including increased non-work travel and more
short trips.
For example, in a Californian sample of employees who shifted to
remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic, the decline in vehicle
miles travelled was accompanied by a 26% increase in the
average number of trips taken.
Apart from changes to the work commute, potential changes in
emissions arising from business-related travel in hybrid settings
(e.g., events and conferences) will also matter.
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working
Source: Telework and Sustainable Travel During the COVID-19 Era

17. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
3. Technology Footprint
A key BBC study (BBC Future, 2020) suggests that a “typical business”
user, albeit in the pre COVID-19 period, creates 135 kg CO2e from
sending emails every year which is the equivalent of driving 200 miles
in a family car.
The study highlights that the carbon footprint of our gadgets, the
Internet and system supporting them account for about 3.7% of
global greenhouse emissions according to some estimates. Dr. Mike
Hazas, formally at Lancaster University, contends this is a similar
amount produced by the airline industry globally, and these
emissions are predicted to double by 2025.
Additional reading: COVID-19 Lockdowns Lead to UK Tech Sales Boom
And Adds To E-waste Problem
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working

18. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
4. Waste Footprint
There is a risk of increased electronic and electrical waste (e-waste)
— an estimated 50 million tons a year globally, only 20% of which is
formally recycled. IT leaders know they need to consider the
impact of the number and types of required devices to power
remote working too. UN Report 2019 UN report: Time to seize
opportunity, tackle challenge of e-waste (unep.org).
Computers, laptops and printers all invariably have their own
environmental footprint and as such, could contribute to rising
levels of electronic waste around the world.
According to a Blancco study on the rising tide of electronic waste (e-
waste), nearly all of the 600 global enterprises surveyed (97%) had
to purchase new laptops to accommodate the shift to remote
working during the pandemic.
Read more: The Rising Tide of E-waste
1. Sustainability in Context of Hybrid Working

19. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Although hybrid work models has become much more prevalent,
there are lingering sustainability issues that need to be addressed.
This is the focus of our learning in this PROSPER Module 4, Unit 1
where we share learning and tactics to improve sustainability
through the transition to hybrid work with benefits for employers,
employees and the environment.
We need to be mindful that hybrid working could create a “worst
case scenario” according to a study from the Carbon Trust and
Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications 2021 The
carbon savings potential of homeworking in Europe | The Carbon
Trust.
“This split could cause could result and emitting more emissions as
both homes and offices are fully operating to enable teleworkers
and offers workers to do their jobs” the report warned.
1. Sustainability in Context of
Hybrid Working
VII. Promoting Sustainability

20. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Contribution of
hybrid working to
SDGs and ESG
02

21. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action
to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects
of everyone, everywhere.​
The Goals were adopted by all United Nations Member States in
September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development which sets out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals and
their related targets. Never before had world leaders pledged common
action across such a broad and universal policy agenda.​
The 17 Goals are interconnected, apply to all countries, and need to be
carried out by all stakeholders – governments, the private sector, civil
society, the United Nations system and others – in a collaborative
partnership.​
2. Contribution of hybrid working to SDGs and ESG
I. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Source: UN SDGs 17 Goals Transform World

22. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
It can help reduce stress and
improve the mental and physical
health of employees by providing
more flexibility and autonomy in
their work arrangements.
It can promote innovation
and the use of technology in
the workplace, leading to the
development of new
industries and infrastructure.
Hybrid working can contribute to 6 key SDGs
2. Contribution of hybrid working to SDGs and ESG
II. The SDGs that matter in context of hybrid working
Goal 3: Good
Health and
Well-being Goal 8: Decent
Work and
Economic
Growth
Goal 9:
Industry,
Innovation and
Infrastructure
It can help increase
productivity and reduce the
cost of office space, leading
to economic growth.

23. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
It can promote collaboration
and partnerships among
employees, businesses, and
communities, helping to
achieve the SDGs.
Goal 11:
Sustainable
Cities and
Communities
Goal 13:
Climate Action
Goal 17:
Partnerships for
the Goals
It can reduce the need for
commuting, leading to less traffic
congestion and air pollution, and
promoting sustainable cities and
communities.
It can reduce the carbon
footprint of transportation and
the energy consumption of office
buildings, helping to combat
climate change.
By promoting hybrid working, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future and help achieve
the SDGs.
2. Contribution of hybrid working to SDGs and ESG

24. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance is all about improving the
environmental and social sustainability of businesses and corporations.
Environmental, Social, and Governance stands for the three
components of a business’s sustainability performance. Without doubt,
ESG metrics are being taken more seriously by the business community.
If you are not at least looking at your ESG footprint, you could be
missing out, and not only on your corporate social responsibilities.
ESG performance will become increasingly important to attracting and
retaining talent as Millennials and Gen Z come to make up most of the
global workforce. By 2029, the Millennial and Gen Z generations will
make up 72 percent of the world’s workforce, compared to 52 percent
in 2019. These generations place greater importance on environmental
and social concerns than their predecessors do – and will expect more
from employers on these issues.
2. Contribution of hybrid working to SDGs and ESG
III. ESG Framework and Hybrid Work
Source: ESG As A Workforce Strategy

25. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
2. Contribution of hybrid working
to SDGs and ESG
IV. Environment and Hybrid Work
Considerations of Hybrid and Environment
• Fewer journeys = fewer emissions. Reduced waste with more meals
at home which means less lunch take-out waste, and offices
producing less paper waste if digitization is in place
• In office, consider energy usage by zoned space utilisation systems
that automatically group hot desks and office reservations into
energy-saving zones, and with smart building systems that reduce
lighting and HVAC consumption during unoccupied hours.
• At home, employees could also be encouraged to install smart meters
or insulate home offices in order to avoid unnecessary energy
consumption.
• Carbon offset schemes may be worth exploring, as well as incentives
for employees to minimise their own carbon footprint.

26. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
2. Contribution of hybrid working
to SDGs and ESG
V. ESG Social and Hybrid Work
Considerations of Hybrid and Social
Hybrid work can have positive effects on employee wellbeing and mental
health. See Module 2 Unit 2 Assessing & Monitoring well-being in hybrid
settings. The main way to create a successful hybrid working model would
be by offering teammates plentiful opportunities to communicate,
collaborate and innovate across corporate and home offices
simultaneously.
Hybrid work is an opportunity for employers to increase diversity and
retention, hire workers from other places, and give more flexibility and
freedom to working parents and disabled employees. It empowers teams
to communicate and collaborate in diverse environments and situations,
thus strengthening their bond and team spirit. In addition, hybrid work
means better employee work-life balance, flexibility and more personal
time to spend on their hobbies, aspirations and favorite activities.

27. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
2. Contribution of hybrid working
to SDGs and ESG
III. Governance and Hybrid Work
Governance:
According to McKinsey, governance is the internal system of practices,
controls, and procedures your SME adopts in order to govern itself,
make effective decisions, comply with the law, and meet the needs
of external stakeholders. Getting your environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) proposition right links to higher value creation.
Hybrid work opens the opportunity for better governance in that it
mandates companies to sharpen their procedures, e.g., fresh
approaches to safety and health measures are needed in the hybrid
environment.
Read more: ESG framework | McKinsey

28. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Environmental
Impact of Hybrid
Work
03

29. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
By becoming aware of the impact of hybrid working on the environment, we can make a difference. Even
though there are very evident benefits for the environment coming from hybrid work, this is only one side of
the coin. The use of electronic and digital tools can have a significant impact on the environment, particularly
in terms of carbon emissions from the energy used to power these devices. These emissions come from the
generation of electricity used to power the devices and the data centers that store and process the data.
The production and disposal of electronic devices also contribute to the carbon footprint. Production of
electronic devices requires significant amounts of energy, as well as the extraction of raw materials, and the
disposal of electronic waste can be a major environmental problem. The use of electronic devices and digital
tools can also lead to increased energy consumption in homes and offices. For example, employees who
work from home may use more energy for heating, cooling, and lighting.
It's important for companies to be aware of the environmental impact of the electronic and digital tools they
use and take steps to mitigate this impact. This can include investing in renewable energy sources, using
energy-efficient devices, implementing power management settings, and promoting sustainable practices
among employees.
Hybrid Working Impact On The Environment

30. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Carbon Emissions From Office Equipment
Office equipment
such as computers,
printers, and servers
consume electricity,
which can generate
carbon emissions
depending on the
source of the
electricity.
The production and
transportation of
office equipment
also generates
carbon emissions.
This includes the
extraction of raw
materials, the
manufacturing
process, and the
transportation of the
finished products.
The disposal of office
equipment at the
end of its life can
also generate carbon
emissions,
particularly if it is not
recycled or disposed
of properly.
Electricity consumption Disposal
Manufacturing and
transportation
Carbon emissions from office equipment can come from several sources:

31. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
A large amount of
office equipment
today is connected
to the internet,
which means that
the data is stored
and processed in
data centers. These
data centers
consume a lot of
energy and generate
significant amount of
carbon emissions.
Office equipment
such as computers
and servers generate
heat, which needs to
be cooled. This
cooling process also
consumes energy
and generates
carbon emissions.
Office equipment
such as computers,
printers, and servers
consume energy
even when they are
turned off but still
plugged in, which is
known as standby
power consumption.
Carbon Emissions From Office Equipment
Data centers Standby power
consumption
Cooling

32. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Carbon Footprint Of Digitalisation
According to the Financial Times, Carbon
counter: hybrid working is a hot topic |
Financial Times (ft.com) , from a carbon
perspective, hybrid working is a hot
topic. A half empty office needs much
the same heating and air conditioning as
a full one.
By understanding the carbon emissions
associated with office equipment dash
Home Office equipment companies can
take steps to reduce their environmental
impact such as using energy efficient
equipment, purchasing renewable
energy and implementing power
management settings

33. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
An example of a company reducing carbon emissions of
office equipment is the software company Salesforce. In
2018, they set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2020
and reduce the carbon emissions of its office equipment
by 50% by 2022. To achieve this goal, they implemented
several strategies, detailed on the next slide.
Result: By implementing these strategies, Salesforce was
able to reduce the carbon emissions of its office
equipment by 50% by 2022, which helped the company to
achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral.
This case study shows that it is possible for companies to
significantly reduce carbon emissions of office equipment
through a combination of energy-efficient equipment,
renewable energy, power management settings, data
center optimisation, and employee education.
Case Study: Company Reducing
Carbon Emissions of Office
Equipment – Salesforce

34. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
✔ Energy-efficient equipment: Salesforce replaced older equipment with energy-efficient devices, such as laptops
and monitors that are Energy Star certified and enabled power management settings to reduce energy
consumption.
✔ Renewable energy: Salesforce invested in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to offset
the carbon emissions of its office equipment.
✔ Power management settings: Salesforce implemented power management settings to reduce the energy
consumption of its office equipment during periods of low usage.
✔ Data center optimisation: Salesforce optimized its data centers to reduce energy consumption and carbon
emissions by implementing more efficient cooling systems and power management settings.
✔ Employee education: Salesforce provided education to employees on the importance of sustainable practices
and how to reduce the environmental impact of office equipment.
Case Study: Salesforce Strategies to Reduce Carbon
Emissions of Office Equipment

35. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
1. Carbon footprint calculation
This method involves calculating the total amount of greenhouse
gas emissions associated with hybrid working, including emissions
from transportation, energy consumption in homes and offices,
and emissions from the production and disposal of electronic
devices.
2. Energy consumption monitoring
This method involves monitoring the energy consumption of
equipment such as computers, servers, and heating and cooling
systems in both homes and offices.
5 Ways to Measuring the Environmental Impact of
Hybrid Working

36. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
3. Surveys and interviews
This method involves surveying employees about their work habits and
behaviors, such as transportation methods, energy consumption in
the home, and sustainable practices. This information can be used to
identify areas for improvement and track progress.
4. Case studies and best practices
This method involves researching and analyzing the experiences of
other companies that have implemented hybrid working, and
identifying best practices for reducing the environmental impact of
hybrid working.
5 Ways to Measuring the Environmental Impact of
Hybrid Working

37. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
5. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
This method involves assessing the environmental impact of a product,
service or activity throughout its entire life cycle, from the extraction
of raw materials to disposal or recycling, to identify the main
environmental impacts and the opportunities for improvement.
By using a combination of these methods, companies can gain a
comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of
hybrid working and identify specific areas for improvement.
5 Ways to Measuring the Environmental Impact of
Hybrid Working

38. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
One of the difficulties companies encounter when switching
to a hybrid work model is maintaining optimal office
utilisation. In order to solve this problem, companies may
need a workplace management system to get an overview
of office usage, and then use this information to optimise
costs.
Solutions like Desk Buddy | Workplace Management
Software | Proxiad SEE can help you gather data about
how much office space is being used, so you can make
decisions on whether you can scale down by renting a
smaller place or reducing your current one.
Cost Optimisation

39. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Module 4 Unit 1 has brought us on a learning journey
through sustainability in the context of hybrid working.
We've learned how sustainability is woven with climate
change, the importance of the three pillars of
sustainability being people planet and profit and had
the opportunity to understand that the incentives
behind hybrid working are happier employees lower
over overheads and greater productivity.
SMEs can take action, and we highlight how our energy
footprint our transportation footprint our technology
footprint and our waste footprint are great places to
start. And by doing so as assumes we can contribute to
six of the Sustainable Development Goals
(3,8,9,11,13,and 17) and ESG Improving the
environmental and social sustainability of businesses
and corporations. Finally, we look at the specific area of
carbon emissions and the office, the carbon footprint
of digitization and learn from a case study that is
reducing carbon emissions in a very powerful way.
SUMMARY

40. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
We offer you a short questionnaire for
self-assessment of the extent to which
you have comprehended the content.
The goal is to check and reinforce what
you have learned.
You can take the quiz as many times as
you want. Remember, the quiz is just
part of the process of learning!
SELF-ASSESSMENT
QUESTIONNAIRE

41. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Question 1: Please share the three Ps that form the
three pillars of sustainability
Answers:
Plants, Participatory, Positive
People, Planet, Profit
Potential, Perseverance, Picturesque
Question 2: In terms of the future of hybrid work,
what increased productivity levels are higher
growth companies reporting as a result of hybrid
work?
Answers:
less than 50%
51 to 70%
71 to 80%
80% +

42. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Question 3: According to a BBC study, how much CO2
emissions does the average business user generate
by sending emails each year?
Answers:
50 – 100kg
101kg – 150kg
151 kg – 200 kg
Question 4: How many of the sustainable
development goals does hyrbid working
contribute to?
Answers:
None
2
6
10

43. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Further Listening
● Reimagine Hybrid Work is a very interesting series of podcasts by
Maribel Lopez Founder and Principal of Lopez Research .
● Of interest to this Module is Healthy Buildings Are The Future of Work:
An Interview with Delos' CEO Paul Scialla.
● Reimagine Hybrid Work - Healthy Buildings Are The Future of Work: An
Interview with Delos' CEO Paul Scialla, (google.com)

44. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
● Time.com 75% of the Young People Around the World are Frightened of the Future
Because of Climate Change https://time.com/6097677/young-people-climate-
change-anxiety/
● NASA How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real? Evidence | Facts – Climate Change:
Vital Signs of the Planet (nasa.gov)
● CFI, 2022, Sustainability - Definition, Three Pillars, and Five Domains
(corporatefinanceinstitute.com) and TWI What is Sustainability and why is it so
Important? - TWI (twi-global.com)
● Nature.com 2020: Temporary reduction in daily global CO2 emissions during the
COVID-19 forced confinement Temporary reduction in daily global CO2 emissions
during the COVID-19 forced confinement | Nature Climate Change
FURTHER READING

45. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
FURTHER READING
● HSBC, 2021 , Why is hybrid working smart and sustainable for SMEs?, Why
the future of work is hybrid? (hsbc.com)
● How Remote Working Contributes to Energy Conservation, How Remote
Working Contributes to Energy Conservation (unsustainablemagazine.com)
● International Energy Agency (IEA), Working from home can save energy and
reduce emissions. But how much? – Analysis - IEA
● Carbon counter: hybrid working is a hot topic Carbon counter: hybrid
working is a hot topic | Financial Times (ft.com)

46. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
● SRRN: Telework and Sustainable Travel During the COVID-19 Era Telework and
Sustainable Travel During the COVID-19 Era
● BBC Future, 2020 https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200305-why-your-
internet-habits-are-not-as-clean-as-you-think
● UN Report 2019 UN report: Time to seize opportunity, tackle challenge of e-waste
(unep.org)
● Carbon Trust and Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications 2021 The
carbon savings potential of homeworking in Europe | The Carbon Trust.
● McKinsey 2019 https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-
finance/our-insights/five-ways-that-esg-creates-value
● UN SDGs, UN SDGs 17 Goals Transform World
FURTHER READING

47. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Now we have an understanding of digital
sustainability in the context of hybrid work, our
next unit, Module 4 Unit 2 focuses on digital
sustainability and taking action. In addition to
understanding company strategy in the content of
environmental responsibilities and new
environmental trends, you will learn key skills to
apply sustainability principles into action through
Top 10 Tips For Green Home Offices.
Without communicating our sustainability actions, we
are missing a key competitive advantage. In the
unit that follows, you will learn more about tactics
for focused communications.
TRANSITION TO THE
NEXT UNIT

48. post
pandemic
empowerment
programme
Thank you for learning with
us!
www.prosper-project.eu
You can find us:
● https://prosper-project.eu/
● https://www.facebook.com/Workplace.SMEs.EU
● https://www.linkedin.com/company/workplace-smes/