Business Sustainability Challenges And How To Resolve Them

Julie Starr • February 22, 2022



If you think “business sustainability” is still just a buzzword, think again. According to a global survey by Unilever, there is a $1 trillion market opportunity for brands that showcase their sustainability efforts, with a third of consumers preferring sustainable brands. The Business and Sustainable Development Commission report also indicates that sustainable businesses have become one of the most lucrative business sectors. But achieving business sustainability is still a challenge for most businesses. So, are you thinking about making your business more sustainable? Here are some challenges you can expect when making that sustainability shift. 

Making your sustainable efforts more visible 

Whitewashing your sustainability efforts does not cut it anymore as far as your consumers are concerned. In other words, it is no longer enough to simply claim that your company is taking measures to make its operations, products, and services more environmentally friendly. Your clients, potential customers, or target audience will start demanding some level of transparency in your sustainability efforts. They would want to see, for example, what measures you’ve adopted to reduce your carbon footprints and how measurable those strategies or measures are.

  You’ve probably seen how powerful the demand for transparency in the pay gap and diversity is and how that has affected several businesses. You can expect that same level of demands on your business regarding sustainability efforts. 

Collaborating for sustainability

In most cases, adopting sustainability measures requires businesses to make systemic changes in the operations and collaboration with their stakeholders, from suppliers to consumers. That means finding the right partners who will enhance your eco-friendly efforts. If you already have suppliers you work with, you might also need to speak with them (and other stakeholders) to make the needed changes. But if that isn’t an option, your best alternative is to look for new partners who understand your sustainability goals and thread the same part. For example, if you’re now looking for more sustainable ways to generate power for your business, you’ll find that companies like Volvo Penta focus on providing sustainable power solutions for businesses. 

Your ability to measure and report your efforts

As indicated earlier, you can expect your target audience and sustainability advocates to demand transparency and accountability from you. A key factor in meeting that demand is your ability to measure how effective or otherwise your sustainability efforts are. The general public aside, measuring your businesses’ strategies will also help you determine whether your efforts are paying off or otherwise. It gives you a fair idea of what you’re doing right and what needs changing. Considering the increasing growth of sustainability reporting standards and rankings, it will help to know how to streamline your reporting in a way that reduces redundancy, produces a positive impact, and resolves any form of inconsistency. 

Scrutinizing future viability 

From all indications, sustainability is here to stay. This is reflected in Ramboll’s recent study, which indicates that 95% of companies consider sustainability as key for long-term business success. But you need to be able to scrutinize it

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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