Case study : Exploring the consequence tree of teleworking

Consequence trees are a structured format that illustrates the direct and indirect effects of a solution in the form of causal chains. The solution is the root of the tree, with the branches illustrating the indirect effects until the endpoints are reached. These endpoints represent environmental charges and benefits.

We have conducted over twenty studies involving the creation of consequence trees. Here, we propose exploring one of these consequence trees in relation to teleworking in France.

Teleworking was one of the first digital use cases considered as an opportunity to address environmental challenges. Since the energy crisis of the 1970s, teleworking has been considered a way to reduce our dependence on and consumption of fossil fuels by avoiding commuting. However, as we will see, the picture is much more complex.