A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working

The paper discusses the energy efficiency of smart working (SW) as a solution to traditional work-approach issues, with a focus on evaluating benefits for both employers and employees. Remote working, while offering environmental advantages such as reduced commuting and office space use, poses chall...

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Main Authors: Lucia Cattani, Anna Magrini, Anna Chiari
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-03-01
Series:Buildings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/3/741
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author Lucia Cattani
Anna Magrini
Anna Chiari
author_facet Lucia Cattani
Anna Magrini
Anna Chiari
author_sort Lucia Cattani
collection DOAJ
description The paper discusses the energy efficiency of smart working (SW) as a solution to traditional work-approach issues, with a focus on evaluating benefits for both employers and employees. Remote working, while offering environmental advantages such as reduced commuting and office space use, poses challenges in assessing its true impact. The study presents results from a dynamic analysis on a real residential building, typical of an architectural style diffused in northern Italy, revealing a 15% average increase in energy consumption when all work tasks are performed from home. To address concerns about the environmental impact of SW, the research proposes a method and metrics for evaluation. Four novel indices (SWEET, SEE, SSEE, and 4E) are introduced, providing a structured approach to assess the energy efficiency of SW initiatives. The paper outlines a methodology for data gathering and metric application, aiming to acquire quantitative insights and mitigate disparities arising from a transfer of burdens to employees. This contribution not only signifies a ground-breaking methodology but also addresses an unresolved research question concerning the evaluation of the actual energy efficiency of smart working implementations for both employers and employees. The results underscore the importance of understanding the nuances of SW’s impact on household energy usage and its broader implications for sustainability goals.
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spelling doaj.art-0de1e655544246dc8c7383ff73ff7b942024-03-27T13:29:24ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-03-0114374110.3390/buildings14030741A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart WorkingLucia Cattani0Anna Magrini1Anna Chiari2Department of Public Health and Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Architecture and Design, Polytechnic School, University of Genoa, 16123 Genova, ItalyThe paper discusses the energy efficiency of smart working (SW) as a solution to traditional work-approach issues, with a focus on evaluating benefits for both employers and employees. Remote working, while offering environmental advantages such as reduced commuting and office space use, poses challenges in assessing its true impact. The study presents results from a dynamic analysis on a real residential building, typical of an architectural style diffused in northern Italy, revealing a 15% average increase in energy consumption when all work tasks are performed from home. To address concerns about the environmental impact of SW, the research proposes a method and metrics for evaluation. Four novel indices (SWEET, SEE, SSEE, and 4E) are introduced, providing a structured approach to assess the energy efficiency of SW initiatives. The paper outlines a methodology for data gathering and metric application, aiming to acquire quantitative insights and mitigate disparities arising from a transfer of burdens to employees. This contribution not only signifies a ground-breaking methodology but also addresses an unresolved research question concerning the evaluation of the actual energy efficiency of smart working implementations for both employers and employees. The results underscore the importance of understanding the nuances of SW’s impact on household energy usage and its broader implications for sustainability goals.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/3/741smart workingsustainability related to smart workingsmart working indexsmart working energy efficiencyefficiency metrics
spellingShingle Lucia Cattani
Anna Magrini
Anna Chiari
A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working
Buildings
smart working
sustainability related to smart working
smart working index
smart working energy efficiency
efficiency metrics
title A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working
title_full A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working
title_fullStr A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working
title_full_unstemmed A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working
title_short A Method and Metrics to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Smart Working
title_sort method and metrics to assess the energy efficiency of smart working
topic smart working
sustainability related to smart working
smart working index
smart working energy efficiency
efficiency metrics
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/3/741
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