Green Mortgages: Make your Business More Energy Efficient

Julie Starr • January 27, 2022



A green mortgage is a great way to make your business more energy efficient. By taking out a green mortgage, you can receive money to help pay for upgrades to your building to make it more environmentally friendly. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of a green mortgage and how you can apply for one. We will also talk about some of the best ways to use the money from your green mortgage to make your business more energy efficient.

What Is a Green Mortgage?

A green mortgage is a type of loan that helps businesses become more energy efficient. The loan can be used to pay for improvements such as new insulation, energy-efficient windows , or solar panels to name a few.

How Does a Green Mortgage Work?

The terms of a green mortgage vary depending on the lender. However, most loans have a lower interest rate, longer terms, and more flexible payment options than a traditional mortgage. In addition, your business must meet certain energy efficiency standards to be approved for a green mortgage. The HDMA has worked tirelessly to develop a green loan program that will work for businesses of all sizes. The green mortgage is perfect for business owners who want to make their company more energy-efficient without worrying about the cost. 

The benefits of a green mortgage are twofold: businesses can save money on their energy bills while also supporting the environment. By financing energy-efficient upgrades through a green mortgage, your business can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.

Benefits Of a Green Mortgage

There are several benefits to getting a green mortgage for your business.

  1. You can get a lower interest rate on your mortgage. This is because the lender knows that you are making an effort to be more energy-efficient and save money in the long run.
  2. You may be eligible for tax breaks and other incentives from the government.
  3. You can use the money from your green mortgage to make energy-efficient upgrades to your business. This could include installing new windows, insulation, or a solar panel system.
  4. You can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
  5. You can save money on your energy bills.
  6. It can increase the value of your property.

What To Keep In Mind When Applying For A Green Mortgage

Make sure you will save energy by making changes to your business. The lender will want to see that you have a plan and that your changes will result in savings.

The types of energy-efficient changes you make to your business will also matter. For example, the lender may give more favorable terms if you make changes that reduce emissions or save water.

Your green mortgage doesn’t have to just be for a new building or major renovation project. You can also use it to finance upgrades like solar panels or energy-efficient appliances.

Just like with a traditional mortgage, you’ll need to provide some documentation to support your application. This will likely include an energy audit and a description of the planned changes.

A green mortgage can be a great way to finance essential upgrades for your business. However, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before applying.

Tips On Making Your Business More Energy Sufficient

  • Install LED lighting. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last ten times longer.
  • Turn off electronics when not in use. Unplugging your TV, computer, and other electronics when they’re not in use can save you a lot of money on your energy bill.
  • Upgrade to an Energy Star certified appliance. Appliances with the Energy Star certification use up to 50% less energy than traditional appliances.
  • Use a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bill by automatically adjusting the temperature in your building based on occupancy and time of day.
  • Install a roof or window insulation. Proper insulation can help keep your building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, leading to decreased energy use.
  • Consider green transportation options. For example, swapping out your traditional gas or diesel vehicle for a hybrid or electric car can help reduce your business’s carbon footprint.

Making your business more energy efficient with a green mortgage is a great way to save money and help the environment. Not only will you be making your office more sustainable, but you may also qualify for tax breaks and other incentives from the government. So start making your business more eco-friendly today.

Blockchain for Sustainability: Cutting Through the Hype with Strategic Communication

By Julie Starr • April 28, 2025
As blockchain continues to gain traction in sustainability circles—from tracking carbon credits to improving supply chain transparency—more organizations are exploring how these emerging tools might support their ESG goals. But with innovation comes complexity, and for many stakeholders, blockchain still feels like a black box. That’s where communication becomes essential. At Taiga Company, we work with clients to simplify complex sustainability narratives without oversimplifying the value. While blockchain can offer traceability and transparency, it’s not a silver bullet—and how you talk about these technologies matters just as much as how you use them. Poor communication can undermine credibility, especially in a landscape where stakeholders and regulators are increasingly alert to greenwashing . On the other hand, clear, honest messaging about blockchain-enabled sustainability efforts can build trust and differentiate your leadership. Our approach is grounded in materiality and alignment. We help organizations: Translate technical tools like blockchain into plain language that resonates with diverse audiences Connect new technologies to core sustainability strategy Craft credible narratives that evolve alongside innovation Blockchain may be new territory, but strategic communication remains the foundation. Whether you're piloting traceability tools or just starting to explore how blockchain fits your ESG roadmap, we help you tell the story with clarity and confidence. Let’s make innovation meaningful.

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.