Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online training formats to reduce the transmission of viruses. Online training is often perceived as having a lower environmental impact due to reduced travel-related emissions. This study evaluates the carbon footprints of in-person and online training at an electronic component manufacturing plant, involving 63 courses attended by 4,624 employees. The findings indicate that in-person training generated a total carbon footprint of 12,166.64 kg CO2e, averaging 2.63 kg CO2e per participant, with air conditioning responsible for 45.79% of emissions. In contrast, online training resulted in a carbon footprint of 14,055.69 kg CO2e, averaging 3.04 kg CO2e per participant, representing a 15.43% increase compared to in-person training. The primary emissions from online training were also attributed to air conditioning (85.42%) and electricity consumption by projectors (8.74%). To minimise environmental impact, organizations should consider prioritizing in-person training, while also reflecting on their unique circumstances.
