Environmental sustainability is fast
becoming a top priority for many companies, not only making it an
ethical precedence but also as a strategic business indicator for
growth and expansion. What companies have found is that what
is good for business can be good for the environment — and
technology-enabled training can help to lead the way. Companies
contemplating 'green
learning' requires detailed forethought and going back to the
fundamentals; that is, looking at the company's programs and
processes. Encouraging managers and employees to think creatively and
proactively about environmental issues can be part of a larger change
management effort. It can also have a cross-over effect of bringing
new creativity and motivation to other areas of the business.
Here are eight ways in which training
can help in the company's overall sustainability goal.
Shift more learning online
One of the easiest, yet most effective,
ways that training can reduce its carbon footprint is to limit the
number of classroom training sessions, especially those that require
travel. Look for ways to use virtual classroom or self-paced
e-learning to replace classroom training. When it is necessary to
bring people to a physical location, look for facilities that are
centrally located.
Hold more virtual meetings
With widely dispersed employees and
constantly changing business requirements, virtual meetings make more
sense than ever. Encourage employees to collaborate online by
providing easy-to-use virtual classroom or Web meeting tools. Make
sure that employees receive training on how to use them effectively.
The beauty of virtual meeting rooms is that attendees maintain the
level of closeness within the meeting, being able to not only hear
them but also see them as well.
Green your training facilities
Install energy-saving light bulbs and
use motion detectors to ensure that lights don't get left on in
unused rooms. Look for energy-efficient computers and office machines
that have earned the 'Energy- Star' rating. Recycle old computers
(but make sure you know where they are going). Document your savings
so that you can demonstrate to senior management that green
approaches are good for the bottom line.
Go paperless
Use online job aids to reinforce
training. Use online books when you need a quick answer. Review the
materials that you currently print and look for opportunities to
re-use and reduce. Use coffee mugs instead of paper or foam cups at
your training sessions.
Choose green providers
When selecting hotels and other
providers for training sessions, ask what environmental programs they
have in place. Make sustainability questions a standard part of your
standard RFP. Make sure attendees at your events know that
environmental responsibility is part of the selection criteria.
Eat local
Let's face it — a free lunch never
hurts attendance at any training session. So whenever possible,
request that food come from local farms and businesses to reduce the
carbon footprint of transportation involved in the delivery. It's
also a good way to support the local economy.
Practice the three 'R's
Writing, reading and 'rithmetic',
move over. The new definition of the three Rs is reduce, reuse and
recycle. Sponsor brainstorming sessions where employees can think of
new ideas to reduce, reuse and recycle. Offer friendly team
competition for the best ideas with green-themed prizes, such as
coffee mugs and canvas grocery totes.
Support telecommuting
Telecommuting is one of the most effective ways
for organizations to reduce their overall emissions, but
telecommuters can sometimes feel cut off from colleagues and training
opportunities. Make a special effort to reach out to telecommuters
and make sure they understand all of the training options that are
available to them online.
The concerns relating to the
environment are not going away. Like in manufacturing and
development, it is not going to be long before the impact on the
learning ecosystem is assessed and players made accountable. Given
the inevitable, it is prudent to be prepared.