Do we save energy when we substitute travelling for the use of ICTs?

From ITUwiki

ICTs give us the great opportunity to carry out several tasks without moving from our work place or homes. An example is to replace a face to face meeting by a video conference via internet. This means that a group of people can assist to a meeting remotely, without the need of taking planes, taxis and buses. Instead, they only need broadband connection, a computer and additionally a telephone. This is driving-in great changes in society, extending the use of ICTs to many sectors. With the increasing oil prices, the traffic volume could experience a big reduction.

The idea of travel reduction is being extended by some companies to include working from home for office workers. This saves the cost and time of the daily commute and will reduce the need for office space and buildings. In addition tele-learning provides training for workers without the need for travel to a conference room.

The challenge for the ICT industry is to improve teleconferencing and related ICT services to such an extent that business travel becomes unnecessary.