On remote work, part 3—the environmental impact

A Fundamental Shift Toward Sustainability

We’ve all heard it—remote work is touted as a game-changer for the environment. Fewer cars clogging up the streets, office buildings going dark, and a noticeable reduction in urban smog. But let’s be clear: these aren’t just perks or fringe benefits. The environmental gains from remote work are a fundamental issue, a critical piece of the puzzle as we strive to build a more sustainable future.

The most obvious impact? The reduction in commuting. Major cities like San Francisco, once known for their soul-crushing traffic jams, have seen a remarkable decline in daily emissions. It’s not just about convenience or saving a bit of time—this is about significantly lowering our carbon footprint in a world that desperately needs it. The reduction in fuel consumption and pollution isn’t a side effect; it’s a necessary step in our societal shift toward sustainability.

But the importance of remote work extends beyond just reducing emissions. It represents a broader rethinking of how we live and work. By decentralizing the workforce, we reduce the strain on urban centers, allowing for more balanced regional development and less environmental degradation. The energy savings from reduced office use, while significant, are just one part of the equation. Remote work encourages a more sustainable use of resources across the board.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we can ignore the challenges. Yes, the energy load shifts to our homes, and yes, our digital infrastructure has its own environmental costs. But these are challenges we must address, not reasons to dismiss remote work’s potential. By investing in energy-efficient homes, greener data centers, and sustainable tech practices, we can ensure that remote work remains a key component of a more sustainable society.

The bottom line is this: remote work is not just a temporary trend or a nice-to-have option. It’s a critical element in our collective effort to create a sustainable future. The environmental benefits are not perks—they are essential to our survival. We need to embrace this shift, not just for the sake of convenience, but for the planet’s future.

Hello, olá—about Wilson Gheur

I’m a graphic and interactive designer deeply connected to all things creative. From concert posters to websites, from books to complex interactive projects, I’ve spent my career merging my love for art, history, and technology into professional designs.

Respect for the Masters, Focus on Innovation
My design vision is shaped by the world evolving around me and how I interact with my time. But it’s also marked by those personal moments of inspiration that define a designer. Toulouse Lautrec’s evocative posters, the daring aesthetics of 24 Hours of Le Mans and F1 cars from the seventies, and Saul Bass’s masterful storytelling have all left an indelible mark on me. I draw from the cinematic depth of Bergman, Kurosawa, and Tarkovsky, as well as Herb Lubalin’s innovative typography and Moebius’s boundless imagination. From Pop Art to the everyday simplicity of road signs, and from the precision of Swiss Graphic Design to the rebellious energy of David Carson, Vaughan Oliver, and Chris Ashworth, I see design as an ever-evolving conversation. These influences aren’t just guides; they challenge me daily to question, explore, and refine what design can be.

But I'm always on the hunt for what's next. When used right, technology can expand the limits of creativity. This belief led me to graduate in Interactive Design at the Academy of Art University, in San Francisco, CA, and fully embrace the digital world at the start of my career. In recent years, I’ve been avidly exploring the intersection of AI and design—not just to stay current and relevant but to forge my way forward toward the future of design.


Designer, Surfer, and Environmental Advocate
When I’m not immersed in design, you’ll often find me heading to the coast to catch some waves or exploring new surroundings, whether it’s the natural landscape or hidden corners of the city. This is where and when I put it all together—for me, it's a crucial, unavoidable part of the creative process. I've always felt a deep connection to the environment, and it's a theme that often finds its way into my work. Whether through sustainable design practices or advocating for remote work to reduce our carbon footprints, I'm focused on making a positive impact.

A New Studio and the Future
After over twenty years in San Francisco, leading design projects for some of Silicon Valley’s most prominent players, I’m starting a new design studio, Studio Alto da Glória. This studio will be a hub for modern design and a fluid, evolving space where creativity and technology converge, bridging San Francisco and Curitiba—considered the most innovative city in Brazil—and bringing together like-minded creatives connected to design and innovation.

I'd love to connect with others who are on the same path. Whether you're a fellow designer, a potential collaborator, or someone who appreciates good design, I'm always up for a chat. Let's create.