How to Include Green Building Practices in Your Future Builds

Julie Starr • January 20, 2022



Sustainability and green business practices have grown in importance over the past few years, and this trend is on the rise. This trend is also present in the construction industry. This has led to what’s known as “ green building ”, or environmentally friendly construction. 

Buildings, both residential and commercial, represent a massive proportion of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This shows that there is still plenty of room for improvement. Aside from LEED buildings, here are some ways that you can use green building practices in your projects. This applies if you run a construction firm, or if you’re planning to build or expand your offices in the future.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, landfills in the USA store well over 100 million tons of waste every year. A great deal of this waste is generated from businesses, including the construction industry. 

However, you can promote reuse and recycling practices by using alternative materials in your building project. For example, old newspapers and recycled denim can be used as insulation. Some companies have started recycling rubble and even plastic to make building materials. 

Even during the building process, your contractors may create a lot of waste. By making sure that this waste is properly disposed of and reusing it whenever possible, you can do your bit to create a green building. 

Energy and Water

Reducing the amount of energy that your business uses isn’t just a good ecologically sustainable option, it’s also an intelligent financial decision. The energy produced by fossil fuels is unsustainable and increasingly expensive. However, by implementing renewable energy options in your building, you can save money and the environment. 

Many modern residential and commercial buildings include renewable energy sources like windmills or solar panels. These energy sources can produce so much energy that your structure can go off the grid completely, or sell energy back.

Another concern for businesses is water usage. You can ensure that the home or office will be more water-efficient by installing rainwater harvesting systems. As well as installing specialized systems, consider eco-friendly appliances. 

Quality Materials and Appliances

It’s usually worth investing in higher-quality appliances that are more efficient than their cheaper equivalents. Not only will these appliances last much longer, but they will also save on energy and water bills. There’s also the fact that they are better for the environment. 

If you’re running a construction business, then make sure that you or your employees are qualified to install these appliances. Appliance installer exam prep will help you to get the qualifications that you need to safely and effectively install these appliances. 

Another way to make sure that you use less energy and water is to use quality building materials. These materials will need to be replaced less frequently, but they are also better at their jobs. For example, if you use good building materials, then the building will be better at retaining heat. This means that you’ll use less energy to heat the building, as it won’t leech out through the roof or windows. 

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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