Sustainable Business Trends to Watch in 2021

Julie Starr • January 27, 2021



In the past, sustainable business practices have often amounted to little more than encouraging employees to use less paper. In 2021, more companies are taking their environmental responsibilities a whole lot more seriously, and I think we can all agree that’s a good thing.

As well as being great for the planet, sustainable business practices are also a great way to build a positive brand and save money for your company too. If that sounds good to you, and you’re wondering what the current sustainable business trends are, read on for the best of business sustainability in 2021 and beyond…

Employee training

It’s all well and goods having the intention to increase your sustainability as a business but if your employees aren’t on board, or if they don’t know where to begin when it comes to sustainable practices, it’s going to be pretty hard to make any improvements. That’s why, by far, the biggest sustainable business trend in 2021 is a set to be employee training.

Making employees aware of the issues, teaching them how to work in a way that produces less waste, and fostering a more eco-conscious mindset amongst your staff is actually one of the easiest things you can do; it also has the potential to be one f the ost effective too. So, whether you run classes, create a sustainable business manifesto or bring in a sustainability Tsar, make sure you’re doing all you can to make your employees more sustainable right now. 

The cloud

Over the past five years or so, there has been a surge in businesses switching to the cloud for their computing needs, but it has still been something of a niche pursuit, Right now, in 2021, that is set to change; the balance is about to tip, and more and more companies are set to join the technological revolution that is cloud technology.

Why is this a good thing? Because storing documents on the cloud means that companies do not need to use nearly as much paper or as many filing systems. Any document can be digitally filed and accessed from anywhere on the planet at the touch os a button. This is obviously much more sustainable, and when implemented correctly, will cut your company’s carbon footprint significantly, especially if you use a sustainable cloud hosting company that will have taken every step possible to cut the environmental costs of running their servers.

Another key benefit of cloud computing is that it makes the process of working from home easier for all involved, which as you will see below, is another big sustainable business trend for 2021.

Remote working

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more of us have been working from home since December 2019 due to pure necessity, and we’re pleased to see that this has been largely facilitated by businesses of all sizes across a wide spectrum of sectors. Why? Because if more of those people who can work from home do work from home, it will save a whole lot of carbon. When employees work from home, they no longer need to commute to work, which means fewer cars on the road, less carbon released, and lower levels of air pollution, which is amazing for the environment. Not only that, but home working can cut the amount of waste generated in office spaces too – for example, when employees work from home, they have access to their own water supply, cutlery, and so on, which means fewer disposable plastic items are used, and that’s just one example.

Obviously, in order to make remote working possible for your company, you may need to make a few changes such as switching to cloud computing, as mentioned above, learning how to run meetings by phone or internet more efficiently, and maybe even finding out how to fix poor cell signal in the office as well as broadband signal boosting, so that those employees who do need to be in the workplace can reliably connect with those who are able to work from home. This could be a little expensive, but it is an investment worth making because it will make your business more sustainable, more future-proof, and more productive (home workers are typically around 30 percent more productive than office workers). So, what are you waiting for?

Energy Efficiency

If you’re serious about running a sustainable business , you won’t get far without taking a good look at the energy you use and how you use it, and that will be easier than ever in 2021 because there have never been more energy-efficient office appliances on the market. From energy-efficient toilets (yes, really) to low-power lighting systems , there are so many ways you can lower your energy use in the office, and save money in the process. In order to make the best use of them, carry out your very own energy audit, so you know exactly what you’re using and start implementing changes as and when you are able. Again, some of these changes may be expensive, but if you can afford to invest in energy-efficient tech, it won’t be long before it pays for itself in terms of lower energy bills and your ability to brand yourself as a sustainable business – something that is really hot with consumers right now.

Sustainable supply chain

Sustainable businesses may be in favor with customers right now, but if you want to woo them, it isn’t enough to simply ensure that your own working practices are as eco-friendly as possible. Eco-conscious consumers are very savvy and they will not only look at what your company is doing in terms of sustainability but also what your suppliers and any third-party companies you deal with are doing too. So, if, for example, you’re a clothing manufacturer, as well as ensuring you use energy-efficient manufacturing methods in your factories, you will also need to buy sustainable cloth from fairly paid suppliers, if you want to be taken seriously, So, before you partner up with anyone or buy any goods for your business, investigate them as thoroughly as possible and make the right choices for your business.

Recycling programs

If you’ve implemented some of the above ideas, chances are you won’t have as much waste to deal with in 2021 and beyond as you have in the past. However, it’s still worth looking into your waste management practices to see if you can do more recycling as a business . This is set to be a big trend in the coming years, and it is probably one of the simplest things you can do to lower your business’s impact on the earth. 

In order to set up a recycling program, all you need to do is talk to your waste management company or local council, depending on how you dispose of your waste to see what they offer. Then, install recycling bins on-site and encourage your employees to use them, perhaps by setting up rewards for the department that recycles the most by volume. If the bins are there, you will find that most people will use them and it will be a really nice way of encouraging a more sustainable mindset in your staff.

Giving back

Giving back as a business is one of the best things you can do, not only because it feels good to help out, but also because it can help to foster positive relations with your local community and build positive brand awareness amongst your target audience. So, it’s not surprising that giving back is set to be one of the top sustainable business trends in 2021.

By partnering with other sustainable groups and charities in your neighborhood, you can do a lot of good. Whether you donate money to a local upcycling group that takes old office equipment and gives it a new lease of life for struggling school children, you encourage your employees to litter pick once a month or you donate cash to sustainable causes, anything you can do will be greatly appreciated while raising your profile as a serious sustainable business.

Transparency

Finally, we are sure to see a trend in more companies being more transparent about their environmental impact and what they are doing to help the environment. This will be a great thing for companies who are already doing a lot, and for the planet as a whole because it will push companies who aren’t doing enough to up their game and start taking the environment seriously.

Although these are set to be the biggest sustainable business trends in 2021, they are just scratching the surface of what is possible if you’re serious about running an eco-conscious business which is why you should explore the topic as fully as possible, Start by implementing these ideas, then think about other areas where you could potentially make changes. Take small step after small step until you have completely transformed your business into the beast, most sustainable version of itself that is possible. Be part of the solution and see your company thrive as a result.

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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