Becoming the Green Giant: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Commercial Contracting

Julie Starr • September 28, 2023

The commercial contracting industry is experiencing a seismic shift towards sustainability. No longer is sustainability simply about labeling our operations "green," it must be integrated into every facet of operations to truly meet sustainability.


Prioritize Understanding: Understanding the Basics 

First and foremost, let's make one thing clear: transitioning to more sustainable practices is no fad that you can easily abandon when times get tough; rather it represents a lifelong promise to Mother Earth herself. Before embarking on your eco-friendly ventures, it's essential that you understand what sustainable commercial contracting entails. Sustainability in this industry refers to reducing environmental impact while still producing top-quality results. Sustainability for commercial contractors means employing green materials and energy-saving construction methods; minimizing waste; promoting recycling; and encouraging reuse and recycling. There's no silver bullet - simply steady efforts that add up over time to make a difference. So if you want to switch gears, read on for some insight on becoming an advocate of eco-friendly practices in commercial contracting!


Choosing the Right Materials: It's Not All About the Money

Making environmentally responsible choices doesn't need to mean making financial sacrifices. Sure, cheaper or non-sustainable materials might save a few pennies now - but in the long run these may cost more in terms of both environmental impact and financial cost. Sustainable materials, however, are the unsung heroes of construction - durable yet efficient products with less of an environmental footprint than their more wasteful counterparts. Consider materials like bamboo, recycled steel and reclaimed wood when selecting materials for your building projects. Though their initial price tags might make you hesitate, when taken into account for their longevity and reduced environmental impact they are more than worth every penny - future generations (and your PR team) will thank you. When choosing materials keep this in mind - think long term as money shouldn't always be your driving factor!


The Software Side of Sustainability

Now let's talk tech! No, we aren't suggesting you build skyscrapers with Minecraft; rather we are exploring the role software plays in sustainable commercial contracting - remember it's not all bricks and mortar here! Now more than ever before, software tools exist that help us manage projects more sustainably. From energy modeling software that predicts building energy use, to project management tools that minimize waste during construction. Be mindful not to overlook the software tools that assist in attaining certifications like LEED; for instance, BuildOps workforce scheduling software helps streamline communication on construction sites while decreasing time and energy waste. Although entering the digital sphere might seem intimidating at first, remember every 'byte' counts towards sustainability! So embrace technology's role in your quest for green leadership!


Maintaining Green Certifications: An Icing on the Cake

These eco-badge of honors serve as concrete (or should we say bamboo?) proof of your sustainability efforts and not simply lip service. From LEED certifications, Green Globe, Energy Star certifications and beyond - these labels demonstrate to everyone around you your commitment to sustainability. Becoming certified may seem daunting at first, but the long-term rewards make the effort worth while! Not only will you be helping the environment but also building up your reputation in the industry - plus who wouldn't want to lead by example on sustainable practices! So put on your boots and prepare to climb the ladder of green certification - it will prove both gratifying and fulfilling in equal measures!


Waste Not, Want Not: Efficient Waste Management

Once you have all of your credentials under your green belt, what's next? Waste management. Now we know what you're thinking - waste management sounds like something Oscar the Grouch does... but hear us out: there are more effective approaches than Oscar's Grouch would ever dream of employing to help manage waste! Waste reduction is also an integral component of becoming an industry leader in sustainable practices. Waste can quickly build up from materials to energy consumption. But as they say: waste not, want not! Optimizing waste management strategies can help minimize environmental footprint of projects by recycling materials efficiently or selecting sustainable materials when planning projects efficiently to avoid unnecessary waste production. So get those work gloves on and let's tackle waste management as part of our sustainable journey together.


Conclusion: The Road to Green Leadership

Becoming a leader in sustainable commercial contracting may not come easily, but with the proper strategies in place you can become the green hero that leads the charge towards sustainability in this industry. Remember that sustainability is a journey, not an endpoint; keep pushing, innovating and most of all keeping faith - the world needs more green giants like you!

Blockchain for Sustainability: Cutting Through the Hype with Strategic Communication

By Julie Starr • April 28, 2025
As blockchain continues to gain traction in sustainability circles—from tracking carbon credits to improving supply chain transparency—more organizations are exploring how these emerging tools might support their ESG goals. But with innovation comes complexity, and for many stakeholders, blockchain still feels like a black box. That’s where communication becomes essential. At Taiga Company, we work with clients to simplify complex sustainability narratives without oversimplifying the value. While blockchain can offer traceability and transparency, it’s not a silver bullet—and how you talk about these technologies matters just as much as how you use them. Poor communication can undermine credibility, especially in a landscape where stakeholders and regulators are increasingly alert to greenwashing . On the other hand, clear, honest messaging about blockchain-enabled sustainability efforts can build trust and differentiate your leadership. Our approach is grounded in materiality and alignment. We help organizations: Translate technical tools like blockchain into plain language that resonates with diverse audiences Connect new technologies to core sustainability strategy Craft credible narratives that evolve alongside innovation Blockchain may be new territory, but strategic communication remains the foundation. Whether you're piloting traceability tools or just starting to explore how blockchain fits your ESG roadmap, we help you tell the story with clarity and confidence. Let’s make innovation meaningful.

6 Things All Modern Businesses Need in 2025

By Julie Starr • April 22, 2025
If you’re starting your own business, then you know all too well that it’s equally an exciting and overwhelming time. There’s so much to think about, and you want to get it right from day one. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you might think. Let’s go through everything your new business needs to hit the ground running this year. A Clear Business Plan Before anything else, take the time to figure out your game plan. This doesn’t need to be a long, boring document that you’ll never look at again. Think of it as a simple guide that answers three key questions: Who are you selling to? What are you offering? And how are you going to get noticed? Once you’ve written that down, you can always tweak it as your business grows. From a communications standpoint, clarity on your audience and value proposition also sets the foundation for authentic brand storytelling—something Taiga Company helps clients refine at every stage. Responsible Financial Management Money is one of those things that can make or break a business. The good news is you don’t need a finance degree to get it right. Start with a simple budget. Know how much is coming in, what’s going out, and what you’re setting aside. Think about things like stock, marketing, bills and wages if you’re hiring. Keep it realistic and keep it updated. Doing this from day one will make life much easier later. Reliable Cloud Services In 2025, storing everything on your laptop isn’t really a safe bet. Files go missing, computers break, and you don’t want to lose important stuff. That’s where cloud services come in. They keep your files secure, backed up and easy to access from anywhere. Whether it’s documents, customer info or creative work, having it all saved online gives you peace of mind. And when you're building a business in a digital-first world, having secure, accessible assets also means your team can collaborate more efficiently across channels—essential for strong communications. Flexible Payment Options Most people don’t carry cash anymore, so if you’re only accepting it, you’re going to lose sales. Get yourself a card reader that takes all the usual stuff like debit cards, credit cards, contactless and Apple Pay. The easier you make it for someone to pay you, the more likely they are to buy. Simple as that. A Basic Website Even if you’re not selling online, you still need a website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that tells people who you are, what you do, and how they can contact you. Think of your site as your digital front door. If someone hears about your business, chances are they’ll look you up online. Make sure what they find actually helps them. A clear website is also one of the most powerful communication tools your business has. We work with clients to ensure their digital presence reflects their story, purpose, and value. A Way to Spread the Word You can’t rely on people just stumbling across your business. You’ve got to put yourself out there. Social media is a great start, but don’t stop there. Think email newsletters , posters in your local area or even just chatting about your work whenever it comes up naturally. The more you talk about your business, the more others will too. Starting a business in 2025 is a big move, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Get the basics in place, stay flexible and keep learning. With the right tools and the right message, you can build momentum and create connection. Taiga Company helps growing businesses translate operational essentials into brand trust and long-term impact.