Top Tips For Maintaining A Green Workplace

Julie Starr • January 22, 2021



People are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their activities. A survey conducted worldwide in 2014 found that more than half of consumers were willing to pay more for services and goods from companies with good environmental policies . By implementing eco-friendly practices into your business, not only will you do your bit for the environment, but you will be helping your profit margins. Bear in mind that if you publicize yourself as being environmentally friendly, it is extremely important that you do what you say you do. Deceiving your customers by ‘ greenwashing ‘ them (false sustainability claims) may be worse than not doing anything at all.

So what can you do to maintain a green workplace? Let’s take a look.

Train your staff on sustainability principles

Everyone in your workplace, whether customer-facing, in an admin role, or doing manual work needs to understand the principles and methods of sustainability, or they will never be fully implemented. Think about having a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) staff to keep an eye on your systems, energy costs, and conservation initiatives. A CEM can help you optimize the energy performance of your workplace

Practice preventative maintenance

Don’t wait for a piece of equipment to break down before maintenance measures are implemented. Regular inspection, lubrication, and replacement of parts will keep equipment running at peak efficiency. By tracking the trends in reliability, risk factors, and energy use over time, you can stay ahead of the challenges, identify assets that are energy drainers and find ways to reduce your business energy consumption. Asset management software with predictive maintenance capabilities can be useful for automating the process and keeping you on schedule for things such as your air compressor service and repair . Not only does this help you to achieve your sustainability goals, but will lengthen the lifespan of your equipment and machinery and save you significant money in the long term.

Reduce your single-use product consumption

When you are busy in the office or workplace, it can be tempting to have all the convenience items, from single cup coffee pods to plastic cups that are thrown away after one use. We now know that single-use plastic is one of the most critical challenges affecting the environment at the moment, so if you can reduce it, you are well on your way to helping.   Buy in some cheap, branded mugs and encourage the use of them, and deploy a water fountain with paper or reusable cups instead of plastic bottles.

Reduce water consumption

Make sure all of the dripping slides and leaks are fixed as soon as possible and install low-flow toilets and faucets in the restrooms. If you have sprinkler-watered gardens, look at changing to a drip system to reduce water wastage and have rain sensors so that they are not used unless necessary. 

Use cloud computing software

Cloud computing has many advantages for small businesses, but when it comes to trying to be a little more environmentally friendly, it can make an enormous difference. First, it lessens the need for expensive servers to be purchased and managed. Second, it allows your employees to work from home, and thirdly, with everyone able to access documents digitally, there is less need for hard copy printing.

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.
Share by: