What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A More Sustainable Business?

Julie Starr • February 18, 2021



Once, not too long ago, the word ‘sustainability’ was something of a buzzword, a fad, something to garner attention but not much else. Today things are, thankfully, very different. Today, we know that offering a more sustainable business to your customers is something that can have a truly positive impact on the planet.   

It can also, as a bonus, have a definite positive impact on your bottom line. When you are able to conscientiously integrate sustainability into your business practices, you’ll find there are a number of excellent benefits that come your way. Read on to find out what they are. 

Improved Brand Image

There are many things you can do that will give you a good brand image. You can comply with all the latest regulations including those related to minimum salaries and ITAR compliance . You can help out in your local community. You can be a good employer. You can have excellent customer service. 

  However, along with all of these important elements, another important way that you can improve your brand image is through sustainability. Consumers are becoming more aware of how a company acts in relation to the environment – or doesn’t act, as the case may be – and this can influence their buying decisions. If you can show that you are a sustainable business that is going to great lengths to protect the planet, more people will choose to buy from you than from your competition because of the excellent brand image you portray.   

Increased Productivity And Reduced Costs 

You might think that becoming a more sustainable business is going to eat into your profits and increase your costs, but the truth is the opposite in most cases. When you develop more sustainable business practices, you will also have the chance to make your business run more efficiently; you will need to because you are going to have to change the way you work; you might have to change suppliers as well. At its most basic level, things like turning off the lights when you leave a room and installing better insulation in your business premises will save you money in the long term. 

When it comes to increased productivity, your employees are going to be able to see the changes you’re making and, for the most part, it will make them feel proud to be working for such a conscientious business. They will therefore work harder and be more productive as a result.   

Attract Investors 

Unless you start your business with a great deal of capital behind you that you can use as you wish within the company to help it grow, it’s likely that at some point you’re going to need some form of investment to help take your business to the next level. The complication with this is that many, many other small businesses are going to be looking for the same kind of investment from the same investors. You need to ensure that your business stands out from the crowd and is the one that is most exciting to the people looking to invest. 

  Sustainability is something that will set you apart. It will show that you are a serious business owner who understands the mood of the business world and is doing what it can to make things better. Investors are not going to want to have their name associated with any business that isn’t making specific inroads when it comes to sustainability – if you can show that your business has respect for the environment you will win out. 

  On a similar note, you will also be able to attract the best talent when you are looking to employ someone within the business. Much like investors, candidates are going to be wary of putting their reputations at risk by taking on a role within a company that does nothing to promote eco-friendly working or sustainability. If you want the very best team you can hire, you need to be the very best company you can be – and that means being sustainably conscious.   

Reduced Waste 

Although very simple, and perhaps rather obvious, the fact that when you change and become a more sustainable business you will have less waste is an important one to bear in mind. Even if you only focus on recycling paper, and turning your office into a paperless one (as far as this is possible, and thanks to technology this is becoming more doable in a variety of different ways), you will save a lot of waste. 

  Paper itself is made using high levels of energy, and if you can use less of it, and recycle the paper you do use where possible, you will be conserving trees, forest habitats, water, electricity, and waste. 

Impress Shareholders 

If you have shareholders, you can show your sustainability ventures to them, proving that not only are you being morally and ethically positive but also that you are saving money, as we’ve mentioned above. 

  Since sustainability can be used to lower costs and increase profit, there is no reason why your shareholders wouldn’t be pleased with this. As a business owner, keeping your shareholders happy is yet another task that you need to spend time focusing on, and if you can do it through sustainability, that’s even better for you, your business, and the planet in general. 

Increased Preparedness For The Future 

We’ve already looked into how being a sustainable business will help you to comply with current legislation and improve your brand image. What is also important is that being sustainable and putting good practices in right now means that you will be better prepared for the future and the changes in legislation that are sure to come about to make the planet a greener one. 

  Business and industry are always at the forefront of any large changes like this, and if you can make smaller changes now then there will be less disruption in the future. Of course, you may well need to make additional changes to comply completely with whatever new legislation is going to come out in years to come, but by getting ahead of the game, you can start in a better position than most other businesses, including many of your competitors. 

Healthier Work Environment 

Every employer has a duty of care to their employees and that should mean that those employees are kept safe when at work – it’s the least they should expect. Health and safety is a big part of many items of legislation and laws surrounding business, and when you comply with this and are able to keep your employees working in a safe environment, your reputation will be a positive one. 

  Not only that, but the safer and more secure your staff is, the less time they will take off work; they will be happy to come in and work their hardest for you knowing that their well-being is taken care of. 

  Being a more sustainable business automatically means that your workspaces are healthier places to be for your employees. There will be fewer chemicals used, for example, and the ones that are might be plant-based. There will be cleaner air. There will be fewer hazards within the building. This will give you healthier, happier staff. 

  Conclusion

Sustainability is no longer something that is done on a whim and without understanding exactly what it means. Today, sustainability is a very real part of our world, both at home and at work, and for business owners, it is crucial that they are able to adapt their businesses to this new model of working – it makes a big difference in every conceivable way.

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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