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.

6 Things All Modern Businesses Need in 2025

By Julie Starr • April 22, 2025
If you’re starting your own business, then you know all too well that it’s equally an exciting and overwhelming time. There’s so much to think about, and you want to get it right from day one. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you might think. Let’s go through everything your new business needs to hit the ground running this year. A Clear Business Plan Before anything else, take the time to figure out your game plan. This doesn’t need to be a long, boring document that you’ll never look at again. Think of it as a simple guide that answers three key questions: Who are you selling to? What are you offering? And how are you going to get noticed? Once you’ve written that down, you can always tweak it as your business grows. From a communications standpoint, clarity on your audience and value proposition also sets the foundation for authentic brand storytelling—something Taiga Company helps clients refine at every stage. Responsible Financial Management Money is one of those things that can make or break a business. The good news is you don’t need a finance degree to get it right. Start with a simple budget. Know how much is coming in, what’s going out, and what you’re setting aside. Think about things like stock, marketing, bills and wages if you’re hiring. Keep it realistic and keep it updated. Doing this from day one will make life much easier later. Reliable Cloud Services In 2025, storing everything on your laptop isn’t really a safe bet. Files go missing, computers break, and you don’t want to lose important stuff. That’s where cloud services come in. They keep your files secure, backed up and easy to access from anywhere. Whether it’s documents, customer info or creative work, having it all saved online gives you peace of mind. And when you're building a business in a digital-first world, having secure, accessible assets also means your team can collaborate more efficiently across channels—essential for strong communications. Flexible Payment Options Most people don’t carry cash anymore, so if you’re only accepting it, you’re going to lose sales. Get yourself a card reader that takes all the usual stuff like debit cards, credit cards, contactless and Apple Pay. The easier you make it for someone to pay you, the more likely they are to buy. Simple as that. A Basic Website Even if you’re not selling online, you still need a website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that tells people who you are, what you do, and how they can contact you. Think of your site as your digital front door. If someone hears about your business, chances are they’ll look you up online. Make sure what they find actually helps them. A clear website is also one of the most powerful communication tools your business has. We work with clients to ensure their digital presence reflects their story, purpose, and value. A Way to Spread the Word You can’t rely on people just stumbling across your business. You’ve got to put yourself out there. Social media is a great start, but don’t stop there. Think email newsletters , posters in your local area or even just chatting about your work whenever it comes up naturally. The more you talk about your business, the more others will too. Starting a business in 2025 is a big move, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Get the basics in place, stay flexible and keep learning. With the right tools and the right message, you can build momentum and create connection. Taiga Company helps growing businesses translate operational essentials into brand trust and long-term impact.

How Outsourcing Services Can Help Your Business Advance Sustainability Goals

By Julie Starr • April 20, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a business imperative. From shifting customer expectations to regulatory momentum and investor pressure, today’s competitive landscape demands more than short-term cost savings. Companies are being called to demonstrate leadership by embedding sustainable practices across their value chain. For many organizations, this transformation can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Strategic outsourcing can unlock both environmental benefits and operational efficiency—helping your company do more with less while strengthening its sustainability performance. By partnering with service providers who specialize in sustainability, you can streamline operations, reduce environmental impact, and build trust with customers, employees, and investors alike. Below are some key areas where outsourcing can support your sustainability journey. Green Energy Consulting Services Are you wondering how to lower energy consumption without impacting business performance? Green energy consultants specialize in reducing carbon footprints through practical, scalable solutions. These experts analyze your energy usage and identify opportunities like switching to renewables, upgrading to energy-saving systems, or adopting smart technologies. Outsourcing initiatives such as solar panel installation or wind-powered electricity procurement signals your organization’s long-term commitment to environmental leadership. And as with many sustainability investments, the result is not just impact—it’s also efficiency and cost savings. Framed in the right way, these actions can become powerful stories that demonstrate your company's values to customers and stakeholders. Sustainable Supply Chain Management A sustainable supply chain is essential for companies aiming to lead in today’s circular economy. Third-party logistics providers and supply chain consultants can help in auditing your supply chain to uncover inefficiencies, and recommend improvements aligned with eco-conscious goals. By outsourcing this function, you gain access to experts who help embed sustainability into procurement practices—using local materials, reducing waste, and improving freight efficiency. Many providers can also connect you with suppliers that share your environmental standards, enabling a cohesive approach to sustainable sourcing. These supply chain enhancements not only reduce emissions and waste—they also reinforce your brand’s environmental credibility across the stakeholder ecosystem. Eco-Friendly IT and Cloud Computing Running a tech-intensive business? Traditional on-site data centers are energy-intensive. Outsourcing IT infrastructure to green cloud providers can dramatically lower your environmental impact. Cloud vendors who use renewable energy for data storage and server operations offer an efficient alternative to on-premise solutions. They also reduce hardware waste and improve system performance—making them both eco-friendly and future-ready. For organizations prioritizing digital sustainability, this move can be a cornerstone of your environmental strategy—and a strong signal of innovation to your stakeholders. Sustainable Junk Removal Services Sustainable operations include responsible waste management. Outsourcing junk removal to companies that prioritize recycling and charitable donations keeps unnecessary items out of landfills and extends the life cycle of materials. These services allow businesses and individuals to declutter responsibly, supporting both environmental and community well-being. It’s a simple but visible action that can reinforce your sustainability message both internally and externally. Carbon Offsetting Services Not all emissions can be eliminated—but many can be offset. Specialized outsourcing firms help companies calculate, track, and neutralize their carbon emissions through strategic reforestation projects , renewable energy, or community resilience projects. These providers simplify the path to carbon neutrality, enabling your business to meet emissions targets without overwhelming internal resources. When shared transparently, these efforts can build credibility and show stakeholders your commitment to real climate action. Green Building and Facility Services For organizations with a physical footprint, outsourcing to green building service providers supports both environmental and business performance. Whether you're retrofitting with energy-efficient systems, reimagining interior layouts for LEED certification, or upgrading lighting and HVAC, retrofitting to eco-friendly office design supports long-term thinking. Outsourcing this expertise ensures you’re not only meeting today’s expectations—but also building for tomorrow’s workforce and market needs. Outsourced R&D for Sustainable Products Developing greener products doesn’t need to be done in-house. By outsourcing R&D to sustainability-focused experts, your company can bring innovative ideas—like biodegradable packaging or low-impact materials—to market faster. These partnerships inject creativity and specialized knowledge into your product development pipeline, helping you stay ahead of regulatory shifts and consumer demand. More importantly, they support a brand narrative rooted in innovation and responsibility. Conclusion: Aligning Profit with Purpose Sustainability isn’t just about compliance—it’s about competitiveness, resilience, and leadership. Outsourcing to sustainability-minded providers allows your business to focus on core strengths while accelerating progress toward environmental and ESG goals. From energy and IT to supply chain and product development, these partnerships offer a smart path forward—one that balances operational efficiency with lasting impact.  At its best, sustainable outsourcing isn’t a sideline strategy. It’s a meaningful part of how forward-thinking companies align profit with purpose—and demonstrate what’s possible when businesses lead with values.