Reduction in travel, reduced use of office lighting, elevators, heating, air conditioning and energy-intensive equipment, typical in many jobs… After highlighting the social benefits of the four-day week, many studies show that this device is also beneficial for the planet, underlines the economist Aurélie Piet, author of 2 billion re-enchanters (Actes Sud, 160 pages, 12.90 euros).
The four-day week is generally discussed from an economic or social angle. Since when has it been approached for its impact on the climate?
During the Covid-19 epidemic, we were able to verify that the reduction in economic activity resulted in a significant reduction in carbon emissions. In 2020, global daily carbon dioxide emissions fell by 17%, according to a study published by the scientific journal Nature. Never seen.
Admittedly, researchers had already shown that working less made it possible to consume less energy and therefore to emit less greenhouse gases. [GES] : in 2006, a study by the Center for Economy and Policy Research thus concluded that, if the United States adopted the habits of Western European countries in terms of working time, their energy consumption would drop by around 20%. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a real awareness of this subject.
Why is working time reduction good for the planet?
Firstly because working less means moving less, therefore polluting less. According to an article published in Nature in May 2020, with a 43% share in the overall reduction in pollution during the pandemic, road traffic will have contributed the most to the reduction in emissions; highlighting the major impact of travel on GHG emissions. Also knowing that in France, according to INSEE data, seven out of ten employees use their car to go to work, the four-day week would have a real effect. This device also makes it possible to reduce energy consumption, especially when the company closes one day a week. We then have a real impact with the reduced use of office lighting, elevators, heating, air conditioning and energy-consuming equipment, typical in many jobs.
Should we not fear an increase in polluting pleasures?
In his report titled Stop the Clock (“stop the clock”), published in 2021, the British association Platform shows that employees do not use their free time to consume more. The four-day week would rather allow them to spend more time with their loved ones, to cook at home, to garden, to engage in a voluntary activity. In the United Kingdom, more than sixty companies tested, between June and December 2022, the four-day working week. The report of this experiment shows that with this device, men devote more time to domestic chores and childcare.
You have 38.4% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.