4 Key Elements Every Sustainable Office Should Include

Julie Starr • March 23, 2021



Are you interested in ensuring that your business is focused on sustainability? If so, then you do need to consider the office environment and the best setup to focus on here. These are a few of the key points that you should be keeping in mind. 

No Files
 Your sustainable office won’t need space to store files. Indeed, with an office like this, there shouldn’t be any files lying around. You should focus on going paperless instead. The tech is available to do this. Office waste mainly documents with revision and updates. Some research suggests that this contributes to 90% of total office waste. Cutting office paper usage in the US by just 10% could reduce gas emissions by 1.45 million metric tons , according to experts. Going experts will usually require a business to rely on an outsourced printing solution. There are countless options like this available to small and large companies alike.  

The Right Furniture
 When you are purchasing furniture for your office, it’s important to make sure that you are completing the right research. Remember, eventually, even the best office furniture is either going to be recycled or trashed. You need to make sure that the office furniture isn’t just comfortable but eco-friendly too. While furniture like this can be more expensive, it’s often worth the investment. 

Don’t Forget About Tech
 You need to think about the technology that you are using in your office. The wrong tech could add a lot to your carbon footprint and your total energy usage. If you are worried about this, then you should make sure that you are researching the greenest tech. Using laptops in your office will often mean that you can avoid issues with high energy bills. Particularly, if you make the right choices here. Don’t forget, if greener tech is more expensive, you can always lease rather than purchasing it outright. 

Keeping Things Natural
 Finally, it’s important to try and keep things as natural as possible in your sustainable office. One key example here would be to add a few plants around the place. This is a great way to improve the air quality of the building and bring some nature to the office. It can be used to build up a biophilic design. Don’t forget that a lot of office furniture does release chemicals into the air so you need to try and account for this. 

You may also want to explore how you can use natural light more in your office space. This is often about the layout, ensuring that your team is working by the windows of the office. This is going to be beneficial to your business as a whole too. Research shows team members who work under natural light are 15% more productive!

We hope this helps you understand some of the key elements that should be part of your sustainable office design. Take the right steps here and you’ll unlock all the benefits of fully embracing sustainability in your company. 

 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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