A mixed methods approach was taken, beginning with a comprehensive literature review.
Secondary sources were sought to define terminology, examine carbon calculation approaches, and to provide guidance on implementation. Learnings from these were then prioritised based on credibility, relevance, and recency.
Primary research took two forms: qualitative in-depth interviews with industry experts, and an online quantitative study of people who have recently worked from home.
Timeframe
The timeframe for this research element of this project was effectively nine weeks, running from 6th February to 16th April, inclusive.
Resources
This was a single-person project rather than group based. It was also unfunded and conducted within the constraints of an academic student assignment.
Sample Size & Sourcing
Qualitative
While five subject experts were approached for interviews, only two were available within the timeline. A third provided valuable additional source material. It should be noted that expert opinions are their own and may not be representative of their organisations.
3 June 2024: One of the videos has been removed as the interview covers content that the interviewee is about to launch in a new national marketing program.
Quantitative
Quantitative research was conducted via organic promotion on social media, and therefore takes a global perspective rather than an Irish-specific one.
A total sample size of n=57 was achieved.
Conceptual Delimitations
It is important to state that this study acknowledges the reality of climate change and the scientifically recognised need for decarbonisation without debate.
Qualitative
The experts approached and interviewed for the qualitative research element were provided in advance with a Discussion Guide and an Information Sheet outlining the project's purpose and research requirements.
Participants were also provided with a preview of the recorded interview and given the opportunity to ask for amendments. If they felt something was commercially sensitive or had some other concern, this content was redacted and a final version sent for approval.
Quantitative
To ensure responses were completely anonymous, an open-response format was used within Google Forms rather than requiring respondents to login to their Gmail account.
This ran the risk of multiple 'spam' responses. Happily, analysis of results, shows this did not occur.
The survey introduction outlined project requirements and asked for explicit agreement to continue.
Respondents were provided with a further opportunity before the submitting their responses to refuse.