The Office Carbon Footprint And What Makes It So Dangerous For The Environment

Julie Starr • November 10, 2020



Building a business sustainably all comes from your internal hub. Because if your office doesn’t follow the rules of running a green business, none of your operations will either! Getting to work within an eco-friendly building is all well and good, but if you still pack it out with energy-guzzling equipment and employees who have no eco-conscious company policy to follow, your carbon footprint will be just as high as before. 

So it’s time to work on your office carbon footprint. Both you and your employees can work in tandem here, as long as you know what makes what goes on in your office so dangerous for the environment around you. 

The Amount of Waste

It’s estimated that businesses pour over 40 million tons of commercial and industrial waste into the environment per year, and even with the majority being recyclable, and a good proportion being compostable, this is still a number that needs cutting down. In an office environment, the amount of paper, plastic and tech waste alone could be ratcheting your costs margin up by tenfold. 

Thankfully, there are some easy fixes here. Having reusable cups and other utensils in the break room is a great way to reduce and save here. Similarly, making use of tap water, rather than bottled water, is another great way to reduce your office’s impact on the environment. Try to invest in compostable, or recycled, papers and napkins too. 

Office Equipment Energy Consumption 

The amount of energy that gets used up by the equipment in your office is far more than you realize. The more photocopiers and printers and computers you have in the office, and indeed, in any physical location you run (such as a store), the heavier your carbon footprint is going to look at the end of the year. 

It can be hard to cut down on the things you use in the office, but the best thing to do is to ensure your equipment is energy certified . Investing in energy-efficient equipment not only cuts down on your bill each month, but it ensures you’re not contributing to climate change within the corporate world. Plus, you could integrate more virtual systems into your company too, such as using a virtual POS terminal , to ensure you’re not having to spend any more on physical items, as well as keep as many emissions as possible out of the air. 

The Commute Time

And then we come to the commute time. Of course, taking the bus or train to work is much better for the environment than getting in a car, but with business meetings requiring a plane trip for travel, the environmental cost adds up . It’s why virtual meetings are becoming more and more popular, as well as the idea of remote working, which is much easier to implement than most people realize. 

Your office has a carbon footprint, and it’s time to do something about it. Cut down on the danger to the environment.

Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Sure, at this most most industries, yes, even the most unsustainable industries have this general idea, right? Well, you’re always going to find some businesses in some niches (and yes, industries too) who think that it doesn’t apply to them. But no, it applies to all niches and all industries, and yes, it’s a business requirement. Now, across every industry, the companies that are embracing green practices are the ones that are thriving. Why? Well, because customers, investors, and employees are all paying attention. If a business isn’t making an effort to be sustainable, it’s not just falling behind, it’s losing out. Overall, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving your business. Yes, this needs to be hammered in, so industry leaders, here’s why you’re just not excused. Green Practices Mean Growth Yep, it’s that plain and simple, So, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Businesses that prioritize green practices are cutting costs, staying competitive, and building trust with their audiences. So, reducing waste, switching to renewable energy, and sourcing materials ethically aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for the bottom line. Simple enough, right? Well, take packaging, for example. Cutting down on unnecessary plastics doesn’t just make customers happy; it slashes production and disposal costs. So, switching to energy-efficient operations isn’t just environmentally friendly, rather, it saves a fortune on utilities. There don’t need to be roadblocks seen, rather they should be opportunities! There’s Plenty to Gain Okay, so sustainability isn’t just for industries with obvious environmental impact, it’s critical in healthcare too. Again, no excuses here. Hospitals and clinics use massive amounts of energy, and the waste from single-use supplies piles up fast. The same can be said for labs, and pharmacies too. Actually, go ahead and take specialty drugs as an example. Now, most people know that these life-changing treatments are for serious conditions, but they often come with sky-high costs. But why? Well, the production and distribution processes can be incredibly resource-heavy. But even sustainable practices can help lower prices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing or even cutting down on excess packaging. It might be hard to see, but little changes can make massive impacts on costs (and what’s being spent on both ends). Tech Easily Shows How Sustainability Drives Innovation The tech industry has been leading the charge when it comes to sustainability, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, companies like Google and Apple are proving that being green isn’t just possible, but this can actually be pretty profitable! If tech companies can do this, then yeah, all industries are capable. So above, medicine was mentioned, but data centers are also a great example ( since they use a lot of energy). Well, nowadays, most companies are now powering these centers with renewable energy, cutting costs and emissions at the same time. No Industry Gets a Free Pass It doesn’t matter if it’s healthcare, tech, retail, or manufacturing, basically, every industry has something to gain by going green. There are small examples like retailers ditching plastic bags for reusable ones. Then there are bigger examples like factories rethinking supply chains to cut emissions and save costs. But the reality is that businesses sticking to wasteful, outdated practices are falling behind. Besides, governments are rolling out stricter regulations.
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