I've heard of some pretty creative schemes to cut carbon emissions, but this may be the most interesting yet: Japanese office supply manufacturer Kokuyo has mandated its employees to work in a newly constructed rooftop office for 90 days each year, or about a third of their annual work days.
The rooftop garden was built by Kokuyo in an attempt to cut carbon dioxide emissions and reduce electricity consumption. Kokuyo also hopes that the outdoor office's fresh air will improve employee morale.
In addition to providing electricity outlets and a wireless LAN system on the roof, the company planted trees, installed a manmade pond, and built moveable solar panels to block employees from getting hit with direct sunlight.
Workers won't catch a break from their outdoor work requirement during the winter, either—they will be expected to use blankets to bundle up. However, employees will be allowed indoors when it rains.
Kokuyo's outdoor office model should certainly be taken into consideration by businesses located in temperate climates, but forcing workers to stay outside in, say, Minnesota, might not go over so well.