5 Simple Ways to Make Environmentally Friendly Changes for Your Building

Julie Starr • February 28, 2022



Making more sustainable choices in business is something that more and more consumers are demanding from companies. It isn’t enough now to remove the use of plastic, for example, from your packaging or supplies; looking at your overall business practices, buildings, and environment can further cement your commitment and improve your customer relations at the same time. A recent study found that over
55% of people are willing to pay more for products or services from companies with a vested interest in promoting ethical or green practices . This further reinforces that consumer habits influence their spending and who they do business with.

If you are looking to make eco-friendly upgrades , it is essential to remember that to be fully sustainable; you need to use existing products where possible until they have reached the end of their lifespan or donate them to a facility that can reuse or recycle them. Then you can implement some or all of the following suggestions to your business and building.

Smart Lighting

Lighting has been a hot topic in the sustainability world for some time now. Old, traditional lighting systems are being replaced by more efficient and environmentally friendly lighting that also looks great.

What is Smart Lighting?

Smart lighting uses LEDs or other light-emitting diodes that can be turned on or off via an app or remote control. This can lead to a reduction in energy consumption which means lower bills for your business. What’s even better is that LED lights last longer and are more durable than old lighting systems, so you will not need to purchase new lights as often as before.

Smart lighting systems are computerized and connect to a grid that controls when light is on or off. This means you can set schedules for your lights so that they turn off automatically during the hours when no one is in the building. You can also set them to turn on automatically if someone walks by.

The best part about this system is that it uses sensors and motion detectors, which means it will only use electricity when necessary.

Use Asphalt for Roads and Car Parks

Road asphalt is a product that can be recycled and used as an alternative to concrete or bitumen. Not only is it cheaper than other construction materials, but it also has a lower environmental impact. Asphalt requires less energy to produce and will last longer than regular concrete. It’s one of the most sustainable building materials on the planet.

Work with an experienced asphalt and concrete contractor to apply new surfaces or pathways to external areas where required.

Improve Insulation

Insulating your business is a wise and cost-effective way to improve the environmental footprint of your building. A smart investment in insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs, as well as boost your property value.

It’s not difficult to install insulation. Vinyl, foam, fiberglass, or cellulose are all affordable materials that can be added to walls and ceilings for increased efficiency. In addition, you might consider installing radiant barriers in attics and adding extra weather stripping around windows and doors.

The process of insulating a building or office space is an essential step in making it more eco-friendly. Improved insulation will help reduce the amount of energy used by the building during the winter months and summer months. This also saves money on utility bills for the building and the occupants. The energy savings from insulated buildings also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 20%.

Have A Preventative Maintenance Plan

One of the easiest things you can do to make your building more environmentally friendly is to have a preventative maintenance plan . That will mean regular checks and cleanings, correcting any nagging problems that may have been ignored before, and having building professionals come in regularly to do inspections. This will increase the lifespan of many parts of your building and keep your utility bill under control.

The best way to do this is to use software that can monitor and automate the process and keep detailed records. You can keep track of an asset’s age, previous issues, and maintenance history, as well as schedule any future appointments with the right software. A further advantage of using automated facility software is that it eliminates the need for paperwork orders and service requests, which tend to accumulate, get misplaced, or get thrown away. Additionally, your team’s efficiency will almost certainly improve, and you will eliminate paper waste as a result of the process.

Use Green Cleaning Products

Switching to green cleaning products is one of the easiest ways to make your business more environmentally friendly; instead of using harsh chemicals, which can impact the air quality in your building, use eco-friendly products that are safe for you and your employees. This will not only save money on long-term health care costs for employees who might be exposed to these chemicals, but it will also reduce the risk of workers’ compensation claims.

Another thing you can do is switch from disposable products to durable and reusable ones. This will help you avoid spending money on items that need to be thrown away after they’ve been used once or twice. Use refillable water bottles instead of disposable cups and coffee mugs, utensils made from biodegradable materials instead of plasticware, and cloth napkins rather than paper ones. You can even purchase durable supplies like pens, markers, and even paper, so you never have to worry about repurchasing new ones.

Conclusion

The green movement has infiltrated every facet of our lives, so it is not surprising that we see the same trend in the business world. We want to do everything we can to be environmentally conscious, and you can start by making some simple changes to your business.

No matter the size of your company, there are several small changes you can make to promote environmental friendliness.

By implementing these five simple changes, you can reduce your building’s environmental impact and make a positive difference in the world. The best part? You’ll also be saving money and time!

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.
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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