When and How to Review Your Business Sustainability

Julie Starr • May 4, 2022



Business sustainability is a process that should be regularly reviewed to ensure that your company is operating as efficiently and ethically as possible. Some factors that you’ll want to consider include the environmental impact of your operations, the social responsibility of your business, and how well you are managing your resources. In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the best practices for reviewing your business sustainability, as well as provide tips for making improvements where necessary.

Why Review Business Sustainability?

There are several reasons why it’s essential to periodically review your business sustainability. For one, it allows you to measure your progress and identify areas where you may need to make improvements. Additionally, reviewing your sustainability can help you stay ahead of changing regulations and trends and better understand the impact of your operations on the environment and community. Financial implications are also a key consideration – by understanding the cost savings that can be achieved through sustainability initiatives, you can make more informed decisions about where to invest your resources. Finally, taking a close look at your sustainability practices can improve communication and transparency with stakeholders, customers, and employees. As you can see, there are many benefits to regularly reviewing your business sustainability. However, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach – the frequency and scope of your review will depend on your company’s specific needs.

When to Conduct Your Review

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend conducting a review at least once per year. This will ensure that you have the most up-to-date information about your company’s operations and performance. Your bookkeeping department will play a vital role in this process, as they will be responsible for tracking your progress and keeping track of any changes that need to be made. So make sure that you coordinate with them in advance to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Of course, some businesses may need to review their sustainability more frequently than others – for example, those who are subject to stricter environmental regulations or who are rapidly expanding their operations. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how often you need to review your sustainability, but we recommend doing it annually at a minimum.

Best Practices

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best practices for conducting a business sustainability review. There are four key steps to conducting an effective business sustainability review:

Set Objectives and Goals

The first step is to determine what you hope to achieve with your review. For example, do you want to assess your progress on specific sustainability initiatives? Measure your carbon footprint? Evaluate the social impact of your operations? Once you have a clear idea of your objectives, you can develop measurable goals and indicators . This will give you a roadmap for conducting your review and help ensure that it is comprehensive.

Gather Data

The next step is to gather all relevant data, both internal and external. This data will be used to assess your company’s performance on specific sustainability indicators. Some examples of data that you may want to collect include financial records, energy consumption data, employee surveys , and customer feedback.

Conduct Analysis

Once you have collected all the necessary data, it’s time to start analyzing it. This is where you will identify any areas of improvement and develop strategies for making changes. Again, it’s important to involve stakeholders in this process so that everyone has a clear understanding of the findings and can provide input on potential solutions.

Communicate Results

The final step is to communicate the results of your review to all relevant parties. This includes sharing your findings with employees, customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders. You should also create a plan for implementing any changes that were identified during the review process.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your business sustainability review is comprehensive and effective. Remember, the goal is to continuously improve your company’s sustainability practices so that you can reduce your impact on the environment and build a better future for all.

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: