By Cathy Thomas-Varcoe, Senior Manager of Learning Design

Online learning is often seen as a greener alternative to traditional classroom-based education; after all, fewer commutes, printed materials, and physical buildings sound like a win for the planet. But as the global education sector increasingly shifts online, the digital infrastructure that underpins e-learning is quietly contributing to our collective carbon footprint.

Every video streamed, file uploaded, and course hosted uses energy — not just on our devices, but in the massive data centres and networks that power the internet. In fact, The Sustainable Web Manifesto suggests ‘if the Internet was a country, it would be the 4th largest polluter in the world and is expected to grow considerably by 2030’.

As learning professionals, we have an opportunity, and responsibility, to make online learning more digitally sustainable. Here’s some suggestions for how you could make that happen.

Video is a powerful learning tool, but it’s also one of the most energy-intensive forms of digital content. High-definition video streaming accounts for a significant portion of global internet traffic, and every gigabyte transferred means more energy consumed by servers and networks.

That doesn’t mean we should stop using video — but we should consider how to use it more strategically. For example:

• Keep videos short and purposeful – a three-minute concept explainer often has more impact than a 30-minute lecture
• Compress files before uploading
• Offer text or audio alternatives to video for learners who prefer reading or listening
• Encourage learners to download once instead of streaming repeatedly

Small changes at scale can make a measurable difference in energy use, while also improving accessibility and learner focus.

Online learning platforms are full of redundant and outdated files, such as duplicate course materials, old drafts, and unneeded archives. Every one of these takes up storage space, and therefore energy.

Practical steps to manage file storage more wisely include:

• Reviewing and decluttering your content repositories regularly
• Using cloud storage efficiently, ensuring you’re not keeping multiple copies in different locations
• Encouraging teams to delete or archive old versions once updates are live

This supports sustainability and keeps course management simpler and cleaner for your team.

Good learning design is inherently sustainable. Courses that are lightweight, accessible, and inclusive benefit both learners and the environment.

Design decisions could include:

• Optimising file sizes (compressed images, simplified layouts)
• Using clean, efficient code in e-learning authoring tools or LMS platforms
• Designing with accessibility in mind (clear navigation, transcripts, captions)

These practices reduce data loads and make learning more inclusive for people with slower connections or limited bandwidth.

Not all digital infrastructure is equal in its environmental impact. When selecting platforms, hosting services, or cloud providers, look for those that:

• Commit to renewable energy use in their data centres (such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure regions powered by renewables)
• Publish sustainability reports with measurable goals
• Offer carbon-neutral or energy-efficient services

Procurement decisions are powerful levers – every partnership with a greener provider helps push the digital ecosystem toward a lower-carbon future.

The hardware that enables digital learning (e.g. laptops, tablets and servers) also carries a hidden footprint. Short device life-cycles and poor recycling practices contribute to global electronic waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide.

To tackle this:

• Extend the life of devices through maintenance and repair
• Refurbish and reuse equipment where possible
• Choose devices made from recyclable materials and designed for repairability
• Encourage responsible disposal when equipment reaches its end of life by partnering with certified e-waste recyclers to ensure devices are handled responsibly

Artificial intelligence is transforming online learning, but it also consumes considerable computing power. Use AI where it genuinely adds value to learning and keeps efficiency in mind. You can:

• Select models and tools that are the right size for your purpose (not always the largest or most complex)
• Limit unnecessary processing or automated tasks
• Explore low-carbon AI platforms as they emerge

Being mindful about ‘why’ and ‘how’ we use AI helps ensure innovation supports sustainability, rather than undermining it.

Digital sustainability isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a cultural one. Many educators and learners simply aren’t aware of the environmental impact of their digital actions. Embedding digital sustainability into professional development, learner inductions, or course design checklists can raise awareness and shift habits. Small actions, widely adopted, lead to big results.

By designing lighter, cleaner, and more conscious online learning experiences, we can reduce our environmental impact and create more accessible, efficient learning for everyone.

Sustainability in online learning isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing better, with purpose, awareness, and care for the systems that sustain us all.

About the Author: Cathy Thomas-Varcoe is Senior Manager of Learning Design Solutions for the UK and Australia at Boundless Learning. She has 25 years' experience in developing online learning and has a BA, MA and Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. She is passionate about producing quality online education and developing highly skilled teams.