How To Reduce Your Environmental Impact Through IT

Julie Starr • June 10, 2020



The bigger the company, the more likely it is to have a high energy consumption from it’s IT infrastructure.  You might think that this is a necessary evil of modern technology but, if you are a business looking to reduce its carbon footprint, then there are a number of things you can do to lessen your impact on the environment. 

Upgrade Your Hardware

If you’re still using old-style CRT monitors and archaic printers, then they are not very energy efficient and are using far more power than they need to.  They cost more to run and more to leave on standby, plus, they aren’t very efficient and in today’s workplace, are probably slowing down your employees. 

Upgrading to the latest hardware will increase productivity and save energy as modern computers and peripherals use a lot less power to run. 

If you aren’t sure what changes you need to make, get in touch with your IT support partner , they will be able to advise you on the most appropriate new equipment and also arrange for the existing equipment to be recycled or disposed of legally and safely.  You can be confident that it won’t simply end up in a landfill if there are components that can be recycled.   

Set Your Office IT To Power Down At Night

How many times have you worked late, and as you left the office, spotted monitors still powered on or PCs left on standby rather than being switched off? It’s a common sight in workplaces all over the world. You might think that because they are on standby, they aren’t using much power.  While the amount of power is minimal, multiply it by the hundreds of machines in your office and it soon starts to add up. 

If you work in a large company, that could be hundreds of pieces of equipment left on every single night.  

Have your IT team, or IT support company set a rule that turns off all hardware at a certain time in the evening.  Over the course of the year, that can save you a small fortune in energy costs.  You don’t have to worry about suddenly losing power if you’re still working, the system will know that your computer is still active and your work will be safe. 

Opt For Digital Storage Solutions – There are more reasons now to go paperless than ever before, and one of these is to do with your storage. Not everyone has the ability to store all of their files in-house, and so they end up renting storage units to store documents that, for the most part, will never get seen again. It’s a good idea to buy your company custom USB drives. Not only is it safer to store everything digitally onto a USB drive, it just makes it easier to access the relevant files you need. That way, you don’t need to waste time, money, or resources sifting through mountains of documents to find what you’re looking for.

Move To The Cloud

There are many benefits to moving to cloud computing. You save money on servers and infrastructure, as well as space and power needed to run it.  You will also need an on-site IT resource to run and monitor it.  

 People often focus on financial savings on hardware and staffing costs. Cloud computing is also much better for the environment.  

A study on the environmental impact of cloud computing was conducted by Microsoft entitled ‘The Carbon Benefits of Cloud Computing: A Study on the Microsoft Cloud’.  The study showed that cloud computing (Microsoft’s) had 98% lower carbon emissions than traditional on-site data centers.  

The popularity of cloud computing has also led to a process called dematerialization. This is the replacement of physical (and high-carbon) items with virtual data. All in all, there are a lot fewer pieces of hardware and physical media produced. 

This virtualized storage can also make the paperless office one step closer.  The ease of accessing and storing files makes it much less likely that people will print out and physically store information. 

Cloud data providers have come to realize that businesses want to reduce their carbon footprint , so they are starting to power their data centers from energy retrieved from renewable sources such as wind, hydropower, geothermal and solar. 

Annually, cloud computing can save billions of dollars and reduce emissions by millions of tons.  It really is a win-win. 

Implement A Remote Working Policy

Employees spend a long time commuting back and forth to work every day.  Unless they walk, cycle or use an electric vehicle, then they are going to be using transport that has an impact on the environment.  The average employee, working Monday – Friday spends between 4.5 – 10.7 hours per week commuting . 

There are many advantages to working at home from both a productivity and wellbeing standpoint, but you’ll also be reducing the carbon travel footprint of your employees.  In a survey by Regus, 91% of people said that they were more productive when they worked from home . 

You do not have to go fully remote, but even allowing employees to work from home one of two days per week will have a massive impact on the environment.

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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