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.

3 Great Marketing Strategies for Sustainability Companies to Use

By Julie Starr • April 15, 2025
Any business that focuses on sustainability needs to take a holistic approach to their operations. They’ll need to make sure everything is as sustainable as possible. This often feels complicated for various areas. One of the more notable is picking the right marketing strategies for sustainability companies. This can be difficult, as some options mightn’t be eco-friendly. That’s especially true with many more traditional options, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few your business can go for. There shouldn’t be a reason why they wouldn’t be sustainable marketing strategies. Run Eco-Friendly Digital Events Event marketing can often be a great area to invest in, but it’s not always the most sustainable option. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few ways to make it more sustainable. You could run digital events , which are often much more eco-friendly than their traditional counterparts. There’ll be no need for people to travel and generate carbon emissions, for example. There’ll also be a whole lot less waste during the event itself. Aside from being more environmentally friendly, this offers more than a few other benefits. There’s no reason why these events shouldn’t help your business. Invest in SEO Search engine optimization (SEO) can often be one of the better marketing strategies for sustainability companies. It doesn’t have a negative environmental impact, and it could offer you some amazing results. It’ll help you generate some great brand awareness, visibility, and even sales. This gets more and more in time. t can often be one of the more complicated areas to master, though. That doesn’t mean you can’t make it more straightforward. You can always look into professionals to help you with this, like here: https://tonimarino.co.uk . With a bit of time, you’ll see quality results from your SEO. Get Involved in Eco-Friendly Initiatives Countless eco-friendly initiatives are run every year, and these can often be great to get involved in. They can help you improve your brand awareness while getting in front of like-minded individuals. Many of these could be in a position to be interested in your products or services. Even sponsoring some of these initiatives can be worth it. It’s just a matter of looking into which initiatives you can actually take part in. Spend a bit of time figuring out which ones can be a great option for you. It’ll even help improve how people view your brand going forward. Figuring out the best marketing strategies for sustainability companies can often be a little complicated. Some options can be ruled out relatively quickly, as they mightn’t be too environmentally friendly. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a few options you can go for. A few of them could stand out. These shouldn’t have a negative environmental impact, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider them. They’ll also offer you some amazing results going forward. With the impact they can have, it’s more than worth putting the time and effort into them. You’ll see some quality results because of it.

Q1 2025 in Review: Driving Impact Through Strategic Sustainability Communication

By Julie Starr • April 14, 2025
As we reflect on the first quarter of 2025, Taiga Company has been at the forefront of sustainability and ESG communications, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape. Here's a recap of our key discussions:​ Leveraging Social Media for Effective Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement In March, we emphasized the critical role of transparent communication in sustainability efforts. Social media platforms have become indispensable tools for real-time engagement, education, and collaboration with stakeholders. By sharing educational content, fostering interactive discussions, and storytelling, companies can build trust and demonstrate accountability in their ESG practices. Amplifying Climate Action: Communications in Advancing Davos 2025 Initiatives Following the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, we highlighted the importance of effective communication in promoting environmental initiatives. Strategic storytelling and media engagement can elevate awareness of projects like the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor and the integration of indigenous knowledge in climate solutions, ensuring they gain the necessary support and recognition. The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Strategy in an Evolving Landscape In February, we addressed the challenges businesses face amid shifting political landscapes. Clear and strategic communication is vital to articulate sustainability commitments and their alignment with long-term business success. By clarifying their sustainability position, leveraging data-driven insights, and maintaining focus on global markets, companies can navigate uncertainties and continue to advance their ESG objectives. Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement We explored the broader impacts of air pollution , including its effect on cognitive function, and underscored the need for effective climate communication. Translating complex scientific research into accessible insights and fostering stakeholder engagement are essential steps in addressing air quality issues and promoting public awareness. Turning the Tide: Engaging Consumers on Water Sustainability With a significant rise in online conversations about water sustainability , we discussed how brands can authentically engage in these discussions. By showcasing tangible sustainability efforts, employing emotive storytelling, and utilizing digital-first strategies, companies can connect with environmentally conscious consumers and demonstrate their commitment to water sustainability. ​ As we move forward, Taiga Company remains dedicated to providing thought leadership and strategic guidance in sustainability and ESG communications. We look forward to continuing this journey with our clients and partners, driving meaningful impact throughout 2025 and beyond.