I was thinking about this, and we should really discusses the impact that the daily commute has on the environment. Currently, many companies that are mandating return to office policies are simultaneously benefiting from government ESG tax credits, despite the fact that transportation accounts for 28% of all greenhouse gas emissions. To me, this is a failed opportunity to capture the real impact such companies are having on the environment.
What if revisions/reductions in ESG tax credits were introduced that accounted for/penalized companies for mandating return to office and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions? It could both incentivize companies to purchase office real estate in areas with adequately suited public transportation (aka an option to revitalize downtowns), while incentivizing business that cannot meet this goal to opt for a more green, forward thinking solution. If companies simply opted to take the ESG tax hit, it could also help with the country’s debt issue.
What are your thoughts? Is this a good idea, bad idea? (Unrealistic idea?)