Harnessing the power of technology – through the promotion of video conferencing, for example – to enable more people to work from home is one of the various ways the nation could cut its carbon emissions, according to the government's environmental advisers.

In a new report, the Sustainable Development Commission suggests that facilitating more homeworking would not only reduce commuting in the country, it would also help bring down stress.

"While information technology alone won't provide all the answers, it could go a long way towards making travel in the UK safer, more pleasant and more sustainable," observes Stewart Davies, the body's business commissioner. "It can help provide a better work-life balance, ensure we have more time with our families as well as more productive working time."

In the report, entitled "Smarter Moves: How Information Communications Technology can promote Sustainable Mobility", the growth of car clubs is also encouraged, while the government is urged to form a cross-departmental team to engage with business on developing a UK network of high-quality video conference facilities.

The Department for Transport is also called on to collaborate with UK businesses to increase the number of organisations that allow and promote homeworking.