Three Steps Towards A Sustainable Business And Reduced Costs

Julie Starr • July 8, 2024

Most businesses now understand the importance of being more sustainable and looking after the world. Though, it can still be challenging and feel like you are making a difference. 


The road to completely reducing your carbon footprint as a business can be a little worrisome, however, it can be quite simple. Not only that in the long run, it can help to reduce costs and make you stand out from the competition. 

Let’s have a look at some of the ways you can be more sustainable in your business: 


Take Control Of Consumption And Reduce Waste

One of the best things you can do when you are trying to minimize your carbon footprint is to reduce your waste. It’s also another way you can reduce costs. When you plan carefully you can easily send less waste to the landfill and make a big change to the CO2 emissions. 


Some of the easiest changes you can make are things like replacing one-use items with items that can be reused many times. A great example of this is coffee cups. Rather than providing coffee in plastic cups that get thrown out, encourage your workforce to bring a reusable cup to work with them or stock the kitchen cupboard with ones for them to use. 


Then you can look at bigger changes such as looking at what you can reuse or recycle from your production processes. 


Audit Your Energy Usage 

You may think that it is a simple idea, however, you might be surprised by how many businesses don’t think about their energy consumption and just use whatever it takes to get things done. Yes, you need to use energy to have your business running, however, you need to look at your usage more closely. When you do an audit you can look at all the data for when you use the most energy. For example, it could be that one team is using more than the other for the same job role. You should have a look at things like employee actions, insulation and ventilation, air conditioning, heating, lighting, and equipment. 


It won’t take long to gather all the information that you need, but that information can help massively reduce your carbon footprint and cut costs. If you want to encourage your employees to think the same about becoming more sustainable think about adding in an incentive for the team who reduce their footprint the most. 


Consider Remote Working 


Since Covid-19 remote working has become something that many businesses have kept full-time. One of the main reasons for this is that it is much more sustainable and massively cuts business costs. Working from home is something that not only helps to reduce business costs but it can also help employees to cut their carbon footprint too. They will no longer travel to work. This simple change can have a huge impact on how sustainable your business is. 


These are just three things that can make your business more sustainable, however, they are three important areas to get you started.

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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