Green IT: Eight tips for green learning

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.