Tips To Make Your Next Office Renovation More Sustainable

Julie Starr • May 31, 2021



The need for sustainability is increasingly gaining ground as businesses are putting suitable measures to make their operations as green as possible. But sustainability doesn’t always have to do with how you run your business, as it also involves where you run it. According to experts , buildings contribute over 30% of all carbon emissions while being responsible for about 40% of energy consumption in general. Of these stats, office buildings take up about a third. Meaning there’s still a lot to do regarding making commercial buildings more eco-friendly. And you can do your part by ensuring that your next office renovation is a more sustainable one. So, does your workspace need a bit of a tune-up? Use the following tips to make your renovation more environmentally sustainable. 

Get an energy expert to assess the situation

Your main goal, aside from sprucing up your office’s appearance, is to ensure that you reduce energy levels and carbon emissions as much as possible. One of the best ways to achieve this is to hire an expert to assess the current state of your office and make a list of the areas that require changes to reduce carbon emissions. 

Next, ensure that all the professionals or workers involved in the renovation work together to deliver an integrated strategy to make your office building or workspace more energy-efficient. That means you need to ensure that your architect, suppliers, and the building owner or landlord, are all fully aware of the required upgrade changes. One massive benefit of getting everyone on the same page is that they can make efficient upgrade suggestions you might not have thought about.

Bring your workers up to speed

Your working staff may not necessarily be directly involved in the renovation process, but that does not mean you should leave them uninformed about the process. Take the time to educate your team about the needed renovation, what they should expect to see differently, and how the changes will benefit them and the environment. After informing them about the changes, you can encourage them to make recommendations available if they have any.

You should arrange a temporary work environment as your renovation project goes on. Also, don’t forget to reward their patience, commitment, and hard work by picking up some gifts for employees . 

Bring in the natural elements

Once you have everyone on the same page, it is time to focus on putting the right design changes in place. The right renovations changes will depend on what you want out of your project; for example, are you creating more space? But no matter the reason behind your renovation, there are some things you cannot ignore. And one of them is letting in more natural light. Discuss with your team how best to design your office renovation in a way that allows natural light to flow in and reduce your reliance on artificial options. 

Alternatively, you can opt for more efficient artificial light options like LED or CFL lighting. Another natural element worth adding is a touch of plants. Plants have both aesthetic and health benefits too. They work around the clock to reduce polluting agents in the air, release oxygen, and boost humidity, making them ideal for office spaces with dry air. And speaking of dry air, you should also undertake your renovation in a way that improves natural airflow. Take advantage of your renovation to replace or clean out old windows and air vents to improve airflow. Blocked air vents will not only increase your energy bills it will also put the health of your employees at risk.

Use eco-friendly building materials

Speak with your architect, designers, suppliers, etc., about more environmentally friendly renovation materials . From your new wall paint to your fixtures and furniture options, as well as other materials for your renovation, ensure you pay attention to more sustainable building materials. For example, when selecting your office furniture, you might want to consider avoiding options made from wood composites, as they tend to contain very high levels of volatile organic compounds. 

Follow regulatory requirements

Before you start your renovation project, you should ensure that you know and follow all regulatory requirements for your office building plans. Such laws are in place as a way of providing environmental protection while promoting safety. You need to ensure that you meet every standard set in the regulations right from the onset of your project. As mentioned earlier, following such instructions will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save a lot of money in the process. 

 

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.

Earth Day is a Moment. Sustainability is a Journey.

By Julie Starr • April 7, 2025
Every April 22nd, Earth Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for the planet. It’s a powerful moment for reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to environmental stewardship. But for companies like Taiga, Earth Day is not just a day—it's a checkpoint in a journey that spans all 365 days of the year. Beyond the Day: The Power of Year-Round Storytelling While Earth Day is an excellent opportunity to spotlight your company's environmental efforts, the true impact lies in consistent, transparent communication about your sustainability strategy. Customers, investors, employees, and partners are increasingly interested in how companies plan, act, and improve over time. To build trust and inspire action, companies should: Share clear targets: What are your goals for emissions reduction, circularity, or biodiversity? Make them specific and time-bound. Report results honestly: Celebrate wins and be candid about setbacks. Progress, not perfection, is the story. Connect efforts to impact: Highlight how your initiatives benefit ecosystems, communities, or supply chains. Leveraging Earth Day as a Strategic Moment Think of Earth Day as a milestone that anchors your broader communications. Some ideas: Launch or preview new initiatives that reinforce your long-term strategy. Tell human stories: Showcase employees, community members, or suppliers contributing to sustainability. Host interactive events: Webinars, volunteer days, or innovation showcases invite people into the journey. Publish a sustainability snapshot: A visual, engaging recap of the past year's progress. Engaging Stakeholders Year-Round To keep the momentum going beyond April: Create a sustainability content calendar to share updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and educational content. Invite feedback: Use surveys or listening sessions to understand stakeholder priorities and ideas. Collaborate: Partner with NGOs, academics, or startups aligned with your mission. Recognize champions: Celebrate employees and partners who go above and beyond. Bringing It Together: A Continuous Narrative Earth Day is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, but lasting impact comes from building a continuous narrative. At Taiga, we see sustainability not as a series of campaigns but as a shared journey with our stakeholders . When we connect the dots between moments like Earth Day and the year-round work behind the scenes, we not only deepen engagement—we accelerate change. So this Earth Day, let’s celebrate progress and recommit to transparency, collaboration, and bold action. The planet needs more than promises. It needs a plan. And it needs all of us.
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