Business Travel: How to Make it More Sustainable

Business travel has long been a necessary part of running a company, and although hat has changed somewhat with more and more teleconferencing options becoming available, it cannot always be avoided, so what can you do to make it greener instead? There are a number of ways you can make your trips more sustainable when you do need to take them, as you will see below…

Enlist a Corporate Travel Planner with a Green Thumb

Start things off on the right track by partnering with a corporate travel planner who’s as green as they come. These pros are like the special ops of travel, expertly navigating the best routes, deals, and sustainable options without breaking a sweat. They’ll hook you up with eco-friendly hotels, book flights with airlines that use sustainable aviation fuel, and maybe even toss in a carbon offset option so you can feel a bit better about that cross-continental hop.

Pack Light, Fly Light

Here’s a hot tip: every kilogram counts when flying. The heavier the plane, the more fuel it guzzles. So, pack like a minimalist artist—think twice about whether you really need seven pairs of shoes for a three-day trip. Plus, navigating airports is a breeze when you’re not lugging around half your closet.

Digital Documents: Save Trees, Save Sanity

Still printing out every document? Let’s pivot to digital. Keep your boarding passes, conference agendas, and hotel reservations on your trusty smartphone. Your back pocket can carry what a briefcase used to, and you’ll never experience the terror of a lost paper ticket ten minutes before boarding.

Choose Public Transport: Be a Local, Sort of

Once you’ve landed, embrace the charm of public transport. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but you’ll also get to rub elbows with locals (figuratively, please, personal space is still a thing). Whether it’s the Tube, the Metro, or an old-school tram, it beats sitting in traffic and helps reduce your travel-related emissions.

Eat and Drink Local

Speaking of local, ditch the usual global chains and eat where the locals eat. Supporting local businesses reduces transportation emissions associated with importing food and gives you a real taste of the place you’re visiting. Plus, nothing seals a deal better than a meal that comes with a story.

Stay Charged and Unplugged

Opt for accommodations that offer sustainable practices. Hotels that sport eco-certifications usually have energy-efficient lighting, low-flow showers, and bedding laundered on request. It’s like sleeping in an eco-paradise, minus the guilt.

Meet Virtually When You Can

And here’s a radical idea: sometimes you don’t need to travel at all. When possible, opt for virtual meetings. It saves on travel costs, personal energy, and the planet’s resources. Virtual handshakes might not be as satisfying, but they can be just as effective.

Making your business travel more sustainable doesn’t require drastic changes, as you can see, it just requires smarter ones. You just need to be a little more mindful and all will be well.

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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.