Every action companies take holds the potential to either harm or heal the planet. While the phrase “corporate training” may not immediately conjure up images of sustainability, the rise of eLearning platforms within corporate settings is quietly revolutionizing how organizations approach training and positively impacting the environment. As sustainability has become a higher societal priority over the last decade, businesses are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the world and engage in practices that benefit the envrionment.
![Tops of tall trees in a forest. Quote reads, ""The forest practices associated with unsustainable pulp and paper operations have had devastating impacts on some of the world's most ecologically important places and species...[and] have contributed to conversion of high conservation value forests, illegal harvesting, human rights and social conflicts, and irresonposible plantation development. -World Wildlife Fund."](https://www.matcgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-forest-practices-associated-with-unsustainable-pulp-and-paper-operations-have-had-devastating-impacts-on-some-of-the-worl.png)
The Shift to eLearning: Reducing Carbon Footprint
Traditionally, corporate training involved physical classrooms, printed materials, and travel. This not only incurred significant costs but also left a sizable carbon footprint. However, with the advent of eLearning, companies can dramatically reduce their environmental impact.
Paperless (and Inkless) Learning
According to Earth911, over 375 million empty toner cartridges and ink cartridges end up in landfills or incinerators. That amounts to about 11 cartridges disposed of every second. eLearning eliminates the need for vast amounts of paper typically associated with training materials, handouts, and manuals. By transitioning to digital platforms, companies can save trees and reduce waste. According to World Wildlife Fund, the pulp and paper industry uses between 33 and 40 percent of all industrial wood traded globally. Reducing paper usage can significantly help curb deforestation and maintain a healthy environment.
Cutting Down on Commutes
In-person training often necessitates travel for employees, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles or airplanes. eLearning allows employees to participate in training sessions remotely, significantly reducing the need for travel and its associated environmental costs. Research from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that in 2022 Americans used approximately 135 billion gallons of gasoline, about .2 billion of which was aviation fuel. The rest equates to about 268 million gallons of automotive gasoline per day. While this is lower than pre-pandemic levels, it’s higher than 2021.
Energy Efficiency
Hosting training sessions in physical locations requires energy for lighting, heating, and cooling. eLearning platforms, on the other hand, consume relatively little energy, especially when hosted on eco-friendly servers powered by renewable energy sources. Online learning saves energy usage, reducing costs and energy consumption. General online learning (including schools) can reduce energy consumption by up to 90 percent, according to a UK study.
Beyond Borders: Global Impact of eLearning
One of the most significant advantages of eLearning is its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. This has profound implications for the environment.
Reduced Need for Infrastructure
Training facilities not only require energy to run systems, but also require land and materials. By using eLearning, companies don’t need to construct additional buildings, preserving natural habitats and reducing urban sprawl. Such organizations also see significant cost savings when they don’t have to provide in-person trainers. In fact, a real estate developer reduced onboarding time by 50 percent by hiring MATC Group to create eLearning modules, saving not only time but money.
Minimized Resource Consumption
Traditional training often involves shipping physical materials, such as books and equipment, across regions. eLearning eliminates the need for such shipments, thereby reducing resource consumption and carbon emissions associated with transportation. Using fewer materials reduces an organization’s carbon footprint and results in less paper consumption, thereby reducing the number of trees cut down, leaving them to help clear the air of carbon dioxide while emitting oxygen. Research shows that offering just one online class to 100 students can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by five to seven tons. When employees understand this, it can also increase their satisfaction with the course.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Incorporating sustainability into corporate training underscores a company’s commitment to CSR. Aligning training initiatives with environmental goals can enhance a company’s reputation, attract top talent, and build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders who prioritize sustainability. A survey by Aflac proves that not only do customers tend to shop from companies using sustainability practices, they also boycott irresponsible ones:
- 70 percent of Americans believe it’s either somewhat or very important for companies to make the world a better place.
- 25 percent of consumers and 22 percent of investors cite a zero-tolerance policy toward companies that have questionable ethical practices.
- 55 percent of American consumers believe its important for companies to take a stand on key social, environmental, and political issues.
Final Thoughts
Corporate eLearning training holds immense potential to positively impact the planet and environment. By embracing digital platforms, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, promote global collaboration, and foster a culture of sustainability within their organizations. In the 21st century, eLearning emerges not only as a tool for professional development but also as a catalyst for building a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Related Blogs
Remote Work: Training for Tomorrow’s Workforce
It’s Time to Upgrade Your Corporate Training: ELearning is Flexible, Cost-Effective, and Convenient
New Year’s Corporate Resolutions
Resources
“A Sustainable Future Begins at Every EcoSchool.” Accessed 4/19/24. https://www.nwf.org/eco-schools-us
Ayers, Ryan. “The Environmental Advantages of Adopting eLearning Models.” 3/24/24. Accessed 4/22/24. https://elearningindustry.com/the-environmental-advantages-of-adopting-elearning-models
Bowling, Kailynn. “How Corporate Responsibility Is Influencing Consumer Buying Decisions.” Forbes. 5/2/22. Accessed 4/19.24. https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2022/05/02/how-corporate-responsibility-is-influencing-consumer-buying-decisions/?sh=18acd4e35c6d
Campbell, J. Elliott and David E. Campbell. “Distance Learning is Good for the Environment: Savings in Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” Winter, 2011. Accessed 4/22/24. https://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/winter144/campbell_campell144.html
“Consumers, Investors Hold Corporations’ Feet to the Fire.” Aflac. July, 2019. Accessed 4/19/24. https://www.aflac.com/docs/about-aflac/csr-survey-assets/2019-aflac-csr-infographic-and-survey.pdf
“Gasoline explained.” U.S. Energy Information Administration. 8/22/23. Accessed 4/19/24. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/gasoline/use-of-gasoline.php
“How to Recycle Inkjet and Toner Cartridges.” Earth911. March 2024. Accessed 4/19/24. https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-ink-cartridges/
“Pulp and Paper.” World Wildlife Fund. Accessed 4/19/24. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/pulp-and-paper
