How can online training reduce your company's carbon footprint?

Two people are watching an online training video. They access it via a tablet and a cell phone.

It's no longer a secret! The urgency of adopting more sustainable practices to limit global warming and ensure a viable future for generations to come is now a top priority. To have a real impact, profound changes in our systems need to be made quickly. These changes will need to occur at various levels, individually, but also on a larger scale by companies and governments.

In this article, we will present an effective way through which any company can improve its impact and initiate its socio-ecological transition.

Thanks to the development of new interactive technologies, providing online training to your employees and clients is now an effective method to reduce your company's ecological footprint. This approach helps to minimize travel, material resource consumption, and extends the lifespan of your products, in addition to offering numerous other benefits.

Environmental Benefits of Online Training Over In-Person Training

Reducing Travel and CO2 Emissions

Did you know that the transportation sector was responsible for 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada in 2020? This is indicated in the latest annual transportation report in Canada.

Opting for a distance learning formula rather than offering face-to-face training in a specific location, such as the company's offices, not only avoids travel for the learners, but also for the trainer. Due to their specific expertise, the chosen trainer may need to travel longer distances, and in some cases, they may even have to resort to more polluting modes of transportation such as airplanes.

By choosing to train your clients and employees remotely using an online training solution, you could have a direct impact on the amount of CO2 emissions related to transportation.

Reduction in Paper Consumption and Other Material Resources

Digital also means less visual support and fewer paper documents.

The implementation of an online training portal not only provides increased security in terms of data privacy but also allows for the management and dissemination of all documents online instead of having to print a paper copy for each participant. Available at any time via the learner's secure access, participants can refer to the documents directly as needed via a computer or mobile device.

Interactive online training: a way of training that has a positive impact on several stages of the product life cycle

The impact of online training goes beyond the two direct benefits described earlier. The implementation of a program tailored with powerful tools such as a portal integrating 3D training or interactive training can have repercussions at various stages of the product lifecycle.

It is important to note that this type of training could be difficult to conduct in person and in front of a large number of learners. To have a real impact on the environment, the training process must be continuous, and this at several stages of the product lifecycle.

Reducing the Number of Discarded Products and Extending Their Lifespan

1- Showing Safe Handling and General Operation

By offering training on product installation and handling right from the start, especially for complex equipment, the company not only increases customer satisfaction, but also ensures that the equipment is used properly. This also reduces the likelihood of users accidentally breaking certain parts or the entire product.

The addition of interactive training where the learner is required to make choices on the correct operations to perform allows for the direct application of learned concepts.

Thus, by training the people who will handle the equipment upstream, the company will limit the number of parts that will need to be replaced and discarded.

2- Promoting Product Maintenance Over Replacement

The addition of training modules on maintenance and preventive work could also reduce the number of equipment breakdowns, while extending their lifespan. In addition, the implementation of an online training portal with notification functionalities could provide automated reminders when a maintenance task needs to be carried out.

A portal is also the ideal tool for making it easier for users to search for information, so they can quickly find the content to answer their questions without having to go to customer service and wait.

3- Making Spare Parts Ordering Accessible

It can be complex and costly to find the right spare parts. Allowing customers to order products directly through the training portal will encourage them to make necessary repairs instead of disposing of the equipment to purchase a new one.

Choosing a Sustainable Online Training Solution

At dvore, we specialize in creating durable client or employee portals that can include online training. We work with various technology partners to integrate their solutions directly into our platforms to offer a comprehensive and personalized service that meets the client's needs.

LUMA1, one of our partners, has developed an interactive training solution that meets the needs of various sectors, including manufacturers, and seamlessly integrates with our portal. Learners can access various training modules as soon as they log into their secure space, while benefiting from other available features.

Going Beyond Environmental Impact

Socio-ecological transition involves major actions not only on the environmental level but also on the societal level. Online training is an effective and inclusive way to develop learners' knowledge and ensure their well-being.

By choosing a tool that integrates web accessibility standards to meet the needs of people with various functional limitations, each user can progress at their own pace. Additionally, a portal facilitates the updating of disseminated information, ensuring that learners have access to recent and relevant knowledge.

Offering Online Training to Employees and Clients

Are you wondering what type of training to offer and whether you should implement a program for your employees or your clientele? To answer this question, it is essential to conduct an analysis of your actual needs based on your budget.

Offering training to your clients can represent a considerable advantage to distinguish yourself from the competition, in addition to improving after-sales service. Choosing an online training platform is the most effective method for a larger company that markets its products in multiple markets and abroad.

Furthermore, training your employees is an effective way to increase their productivity while reducing your turnover rate by providing a stimulating work environment where everyone is encouraged to develop to their full potential. It is also an effective way to reduce the number of workplace injuries.

You have a project in mind? Contact one of our experts in sustainable digital transformation. Our team will guide you through the development of your online training platform.