Is Remote Work Really The Most Sustainable Working Option?

Julie Starr • May 21, 2024

On the surface, remote working setups can seem like a great sustainable option. After all, full-time remote workers reduce emissions by around 52% thanks to the removal of commutes and office energy consumption. 


But things aren’t always as good as they seem. While there are undeniable sustainability benefits to remote arrangements, there are also clear downsides, such as the fact that weekday residential electricity usage increases by between 20-30%. This is true of all remote workers on your books, compared with one office which, while admittedly producing more output, would work for everyone. 


When you consider all of this, remote work doesn’t look quite so sustainable. But it could be, and we’re going to consider a few simple ways you could turn remote work into the most sustainable working solution for your company. 


Make Remote Work More Efficient

Many remote workers end up carrying on way past the typical 9-5, meaning that individual energy outputs can increase. By making remote work more efficient, you can reduce the risk of employees working late, and therefore save on energy outputs overall.


Luckily, there are now plenty of tools out there that can help you achieve this goal. Since the pandemic, communication tools like Zoom and Windows Teams have especially taken the fore and can make it easier for you to ensure correct delegations, and team meetings that reduce individual workflows. It’s also possible to simplify the sharing of crucial files using a virtual data room like Share Vault, which ensures even remote employees can access files seamlessly without needing to wait around past traditional working hours. All of which will help to reduce any residential energy increases caused by a remote switch. 


Provide Energy Efficient Devices

In the office, you have control over the devices your employees use, meaning that you can enhance sustainability by simply considering things like device outputs and renewable energy sources. It can feel like you lose control over this when employees start working out of the office, but that needn’t be the case. 


Providing the most energy-efficient laptops for your team might seem like a steep expense, but it’s a great idea for a company with sustainable values. This way, you can continue to take pride in your green working methods, without the risk that one employee’s decades-old computer will drag your whole reputation down. 


Incorporate Hybrid Working

For many employers, hybrid working looks like one of the best sustainability options. This setup, which pairs in-office operations with remote arrangements, can still benefit from reduced commuter emissions, while reducing the amount of energy your employees use at home. Admittedly, you’ll negate any potential benefits if your office is continually open to facilitate hybrid work. But, if you shut your office on days where employees work remotely, and choose to use sustainable, renewable energy when your office is functional, this could be the ideal sustainability middle ground. 


Remote work undeniably holds the power to be a more sustainable working choice. Utilize its potential by putting these steps in place. 

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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