Transformation of Utilization and Function of Homes Transformation of Utilization and Function of Homes Homes in America are among the largest in the world. Large homes consume proportionally large amounts of land and energy. As family structures have changed, the large American home has become inefficient for its occupants. Working singles, single parents, and empty nesters must often live in houses larger than their lifestyles require.
Telecommuting allows more efficient utilization of home space.
Under-used rooms can be converted into a home offices, giving greater utility to the dollars spent on housing. Additionally, a greater utility is received from dollars spent to maintain interior climates at comfortable levels. Economies of scale suggest that heating and cooling a single large office building is less energy intensive than heating and cooling many individual homes. However, when sufficient numbers of workers are telecommuting, its evident that the environmental impact of conditioning home climate alone is less than the impact of conditioning both the home and the office building, something that is usually necessary with traditional commuting arrangements.