What Are Elements of the Most Sustainable Business Practices?

Julie Starr • January 16, 2022



There are two words that will influence the direction of business and industry from mid-Century onwards; those two words are “economy” and “sustainability.” Economy refers to how efficient we can make our industries, and sustainability relates to efficiency over time. In this article, we take a look at some of the indispensable business practices for today and tomorrow.  

Alternative Transport 

Prior to the roll-out of full digital integration for businesses, travel was still at the forefront of many industries. Sometimes it’s still necessary to fly to lo another location for a business meeting, but the need for it is dwindling quickly with the reliability of digital conference solutions. 

Nowadays, there are plenty of alternatives to flying. For instance, your employees could take the train which has far lower carbon emissions or resolve not to travel at all and work out digital solutions. If flying is the only option, you need to make sure you are offsetting the carbon. 

Digital Integration 

Digital integration sometimes refers to the integration of digital devices and platforms, but it can also mean the integration of digital technologies into businesses instead of the carbon-heavy methods of the past. Digital integration is now happening rapidly and needs to be embraced. 

Whether you need a method for interacting with colleagues or business partners on a daily basis or a system to make your business more efficient and sustainable, there are digital solutions that can help. So, don’t invest in practices that cost the earth; go digital instead!  

The Six Sigma Method 

When a business is more efficient, it contributes to sustainability. Less wasted resources in the commercial processes means that business efficiency is not only good for revenue streams, but it is also good for sustainability. One such method is the Six Sigma Method for efficiency. 

The Six Sigma Method was introduced in the early eighties through Motorola and has since been used by other major brand names such as General Electric. Boeing, and Toshiba. The Six Sigma Method is a form of goal setting to pare down your business processes to improve them. 

Off-setting Carbon 

Modern digital solutions mean that carbon-heavy flights are less viable in today’s business world, but that doesn’t mean that businesses don’t need industry flights now and then. Flying is one of the largest contributors to global carbon output, adding around 25% extra to the air. 

If you need to fly, then make sure you offset your carbon by planting trees or investing in carbon-neutral projects. Not only is this practice needed to help governments achieve the global climate targets, but it’s also necessary for the image of your business and personal contribution.  

Energy Alternatives

The quantity of carbon in the atmosphere is the biggest concern as we move into the middle of the century; as carbon in the atmosphere grows, the temperature continues to rise via the greenhouse effect, which is harmful to life on the planet and endangers many species.

The good news is that we have alternatives to the carbon-heavy practices of the past. Instead of burning significant quantities of fossil fuels to drive industries, we can switch to sustainable alternatives such as electric power from renewable energy sources. It’s best for business.

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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