Super Eco

Photo credit: sandman_kk, flickr

We always thought working four days a week instead of five would save some sanity—and as it turns out, it saves energy, too. According to the Associated Press, Utah's four-day workweek program has chalked up a 13% energy reduction since its launch one year ago. State employees have been working 10-hour days four days a week since August 2008. Original estimates that the program would save some $3 million dollars fell short only because oil and gas prices have fallen dramatically since last year.

Employee surveys show that most workers like having three-day weekends. The state estimates that employees will save more than $5 million out of their own pockets by not commuting on Fridays, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12,000 metric tons. The AP reports that absenteeism, overtime and even customer complaints are down—even wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles are lower, thanks to extended hours Monday through Thursday.

Other four-day workweek trials now in progress in El Paso, Texas, and Melbourne Beach, Fla., are climbing on board. "As we move further into the 21st century, governments need to look for ways to become more efficient. Moving to a four-day workweek should be at the top of the list," says Michael Gianaris, a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly who's introduced the idea for government employees in New York. "It helps the environment. People like it. It's a no-brainer."

The idea is such a no-brainer that in fact, The Oil Drum has come up with a list of 16 reasons why this might be an idea whose time has come.

1. Impact on crude oil imports
2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants
3. Less traffic congestion
4. Reduced personal commuting expenses
5. Fewer auto accidents

Read the rest of the reasons a four-day workweek makes sense at The Oil Drum. It looks like we're one step closer to a cultural view of working to live, instead of living to work!