7 Ways to Ensure Your Business is Energy Efficient

Julie Starr • July 29, 2021



If you’re aiming to promote sustainability in the workplace, one important thing to do is ensure your business is as energy-efficient as possible. Start by performing an audit of your energy usage and look for areas of improvement. As well as reducing your energy consumption in the office, you may also want to consider hybrid business models or renewable energies as a more permanent solution. It’s also essential to improve the efficiency of your business processes as this will save both time and resources. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Go smart

The best way to control your energy usage is by going smart. Upgrade to a smart thermostat that will ensure the right temperature for working at all times without wasting energy. Smart lighting is also much more efficient. It will adapt to the environment creating the perfect balance with the natural light at different times of the day. Here are some other examples of smart office devices . You can control your smart office from a single device remotely, monitor your energy usages, and look for areas for improvement.

Streamline manufacturing

As well as focusing on energy consumption, another important way to improve efficiency is to analyze your business processes. If you make these more efficient then work will get done more quickly, requiring less energy and resources. This will depend on the type of business you run. If you sell your own products you could make changes to streamline the manufacturing process. A quick die change system can speed up your runs , for example. This will reduce the impact your manufacturing has on the environment, improve productivity, and be better for business overall.

Consider a hybrid business model

If you’re looking for ways to improve your processes you could also consider a hybrid business model. There are several benefits of hybrid business models . If you effectively combine remote working with going into the office part-time, or even renting coworking space instead, you could improve efficiency. You will need fewer resources in the office at one time. You can reduce your energy usage in the workplace and save money on overheads as well. This type of structure could also help to improve employee satisfaction and productivity. 

Promote eco-friendly practices

If you are going to adopt a hybrid business model, it’s especially important to promote sustainability while working from home. Encourage your employees to adopt more eco-friendly practices . These can include responsible use of electronics, switching to a smart home system, and various ways to reduce waste. By introducing a hybrid model you will reduce the amount your staff needs to commute. To reduce emissions even further you could also set up a bike-to-work scheme.

Consider renewable energies

You could consider renewable energies. If you own commercial premises, you could install solar panels, for example. This will reduce your electricity consumption. You’ll also benefit financially in the long run as you’ll save money on your utilities and could be entitled to a tax deduction . If you aren’t able to make these kinds of structural changes to your commercial property you could consider solar lighting and other devices indoors and at the entrance, for instance.

Conduct an energy consumption audit

Conduct an energy consumption audit to look for areas of improvement. Once you’ve put changes in place you can then carry out a second audit to find out if these are working. The best way to keep your energy consumption down is to continually monitor it. Here’s how to conduct an energy audit of your business . This will provide you with measurable data to help you make further improvements and set goals for the future.

Set energy efficiency goals

If you want to ensure your business stays as energy-efficient as possible then you need to set specific goals to work towards. Set a budget for your energy spending and ensure you stick to it. This could be part of a monthly plan. It’s important to set realistic goals, so use real data from the results of your energy audit in order to do so. You may also want to set certain goals relating to educating your employees and others about sustainability and promoting eco-friendly best practices. The important thing is to keep them specific and measurable and with set deadlines. Your goals also need to be relevant to your business objectives, mission, and values. This way you’ll be more motivated to work towards achieving them and to encourage others to do the same.

Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Sure, at this most most industries, yes, even the most unsustainable industries have this general idea, right? Well, you’re always going to find some businesses in some niches (and yes, industries too) who think that it doesn’t apply to them. But no, it applies to all niches and all industries, and yes, it’s a business requirement. Now, across every industry, the companies that are embracing green practices are the ones that are thriving. Why? Well, because customers, investors, and employees are all paying attention. If a business isn’t making an effort to be sustainable, it’s not just falling behind, it’s losing out. Overall, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving your business. Yes, this needs to be hammered in, so industry leaders, here’s why you’re just not excused. Green Practices Mean Growth Yep, it’s that plain and simple, So, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Businesses that prioritize green practices are cutting costs, staying competitive, and building trust with their audiences. So, reducing waste, switching to renewable energy, and sourcing materials ethically aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for the bottom line. Simple enough, right? Well, take packaging, for example. Cutting down on unnecessary plastics doesn’t just make customers happy; it slashes production and disposal costs. So, switching to energy-efficient operations isn’t just environmentally friendly, rather, it saves a fortune on utilities. There don’t need to be roadblocks seen, rather they should be opportunities! There’s Plenty to Gain Okay, so sustainability isn’t just for industries with obvious environmental impact, it’s critical in healthcare too. Again, no excuses here. Hospitals and clinics use massive amounts of energy, and the waste from single-use supplies piles up fast. The same can be said for labs, and pharmacies too. Actually, go ahead and take specialty drugs as an example. Now, most people know that these life-changing treatments are for serious conditions, but they often come with sky-high costs. But why? Well, the production and distribution processes can be incredibly resource-heavy. But even sustainable practices can help lower prices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing or even cutting down on excess packaging. It might be hard to see, but little changes can make massive impacts on costs (and what’s being spent on both ends). Tech Easily Shows How Sustainability Drives Innovation The tech industry has been leading the charge when it comes to sustainability, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, companies like Google and Apple are proving that being green isn’t just possible, but this can actually be pretty profitable! If tech companies can do this, then yeah, all industries are capable. So above, medicine was mentioned, but data centers are also a great example ( since they use a lot of energy). Well, nowadays, most companies are now powering these centers with renewable energy, cutting costs and emissions at the same time. No Industry Gets a Free Pass It doesn’t matter if it’s healthcare, tech, retail, or manufacturing, basically, every industry has something to gain by going green. There are small examples like retailers ditching plastic bags for reusable ones. Then there are bigger examples like factories rethinking supply chains to cut emissions and save costs. But the reality is that businesses sticking to wasteful, outdated practices are falling behind. Besides, governments are rolling out stricter regulations.
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