Title: Adoption of telecommuting and its impact on traffic congestion, energy consumption and emission levels in India

Authors: Mohd Tariq Jamal; Nawab Ali Khan

Addresses: Department of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India ' Department of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of telecommuting on congestion, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions in India and empirically test it. After a comprehensive review of available literature, data was collected from 56 employees working as telecommuters through semi-structured, face-to-face and in-depth exploratory interviews. The study found that the adoption of telecommuting will lead to a reduction in congestion, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions in India; and it will also result in other societal benefits. The findings of this study suggest that telecommuting could be implemented as a tool to curb traffic congestion and its adverse effects on the environment and it can also be used as a transport demand management strategy in India. Telecommuting could also be used as a talent attraction and retention tool. It will also lead to a reduction in road accidents and boost traffic safety as well as women's safety in India. The study contributes empirically to the existing scarce literature focusing on environmental as well as societal benefits of adopting telecommuting in India.

Keywords: telecommuting; congestion; energy consumption; societal benefits; emissions; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2021.121657

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2021 Vol.21 No.3/4, pp.249 - 268

Received: 01 Mar 2020
Accepted: 14 Mar 2021

Published online: 23 Mar 2022 *

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