How to Discuss Sustainability with Your Vendors

Julie Starr • July 17, 2024

One of the biggest pushes in the last couple of years has been sustainability across all business models. You can walk down the aisles of any grocery store and you're bound to see product labels that boast ingredients that are sourced from sustainable suppliers and packaging that is recyclable and eco conscious.


For these products, there are clear ways to make sure that the old claims about sustainability are kept in the forefront of those who are looking for them. But what about those businesses that sell services? And what about vendors that offer their expertise as a composite structure manufacturer? How are you supposed to tell which of your vendors lean more into sustainability than others? Just because a service based business doesn't have the same type of green designations as a product based business, it doesn't mean that carbon accounting should be forgotten about, nor that of their vendors. Let's take a look at how you can discuss the stability with your vendors so that you can understand better how they are giving back.


Determine their footprint

Before you engage in any type of professional services from a vendor, start talking about their sustainability and their ESG initiatives.Identifying supply chain risks and aligning their corporate values with yours will help you to be a better business owner. Engage vendors about their social and environmental responsibilities. You don't want to work with a vendor that doesn't treat their work as well, and you don't want to work with a vendor who doesn't have ethical stewardship policies. Do they measure their carbon impact and can they tell you how much the impact is applied to the goods or services they provide?


What if they don't meet your standards?

If this happens, and it probably will when you are shopping around for the right vendors for your business, you could switch to those who are more sustainable. That may require a shift in your management strategy or your procurement process, especially in manufacturing. If you want to make sure that your business is sustainable, then you should require your vendors to embrace their active commitment to environmental sustainability too. Where possible, you need to take an integrated approach instead of making silo decisions here.


Find a way that you can leverage sustainability.

If you're a property management company and you're currently working with a landscaping company, you may have some leverage in asking that landscaping company to switch to fertilizers and plants that are environmentally friendly or drought tolerant. Some companies would be willing to open their minds to making those changes, especially if the contract is big enough. If you can find ways that you can leverage other businesses in being more sustainable then you'll be able to push that sustainability agenda that you're trying to achieve with your customers. 


Sustainability isn't something that you should ignore, so if you're working with outside vendors, make sure that their sustainability ideals align with yours. 

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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