Exploring the carbon footprint of different modes of coaching delivery: A first step towards an Environmental Impact Assessment of coaching

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to use environmental impact assessmentmethods to explore the carbon footprint of different modes of coaching deliveryand through this exploratory study to encourage coaching psychologists todeepen their understanding of the topic and the wider impact of their work.‍

Design: We used a recognised scenarios approach, EIA, to examine differentmodes of coaching delivery to estimate the carbon impact of different modes.

Finding: Our findings reveal differences in carbon impact from different modesof delivery. The lowest carbon impact is coaching delivered for face-to-faceon-site coaching and digital coaching, and increases with physical distancetravelled, varying with the mode of travel used and increasing with more energyintensive technologies, such as AI and VR.

Research limitations: The study employed an economic EIAmethodology which was dependent on assumptions. We note personal circumstanceswill vary from the specific example used in this paper with assumptions basedon USA data. Further, in some cases the calculations were limited by the use ofestimates, but our hope is to generate greater awareness of the environmentalimpact of the delivery of all services, and that coaching also creates a carbon footprintwhich varies by mode of delivery.

Practical implications: This study is a first step towardsexploring EIA. It argues that coaching psychologists should consider theircarbon footprints while organisations should extend environmentalconsiderations to services including L&D.

Social implications: The planet is facing an ecological crisisfrom global warming. Current organisational and individual practices result inindividuals enjoying the benefits of carbon production, while passing the costsof these to future generations.

Originality: Few papers have attempted to examine the environmental impact ofworkplace practices. The paper seeks to encourage consideration of this issueas part of the organisation procurement of coaching and other professionalservices.

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