Essentials For Making a Construction Project More Sustainable

Julie Starr • November 29, 2021



Whether you are someone planning on self-build, to someone who works in the construction industry, it is time to make sure that there is an element of sustainability to your project, whether this is by design, the material choice, insulation, and taking steps to reduce the costs of running the home or building once constructed. When you do this, you will have a much-improved home that is durable and long-lasting. 

Many people that self-build or work in construction want to create buildings that can still be there long after they have gone. So what are the things that you can do to make sure that you are building a home or other building that is sustainable and will be more eco-friendly and efficient to run and live in?

Use plenty of insulation

There are many buildings that are simply not built with enough insulation. This can be in the roof, the floor, and in the walls, and goes a long way to reducing how much it will cost to heat the building. The more heat that a building can keep in, the more efficient that it will be to use. You can see the protests that have been going on in the UK around home insulation , as it can be an important tool to help when it comes to global warming as we won’t have to be constantly heating our homes. This isn’t an area to scrimp on, so definitely include it in the planning.

Use renewable technologies once your design is complete

By using eco-friendly builders, they will know some of the technologies that can make a difference and that could help you to choose the right options for the home or building that you are creating. Not only should you think about renewable materials and products that are going to help the building to be more sustainable, such as a large water tank , but also use renewable technologies. Some of the most popular are solar panels, thermal panels, and things such as biomass boilers. You could also think about renewable options like sewage treatment and being able to harvest rainwater.

Make the most of the building’s thermal mass

Materials in construction like concrete and brick do create a thermal mass. This is what can absorb the heat or warmth from the sun, as well as other sources of heat when it is warm, and then ‘release’ them when it is cooler. This can help when it comes to creating a building with a good temperature but is also a sustainable feature of buildings. Many building products that are usually made from insulation materials will help to enhance the thermal mass of the building, which means the building itself can keep the temperature steady in the building. This, along with enough insulation, can help to reduce how much energy is used, making it a much more sustainable building or home.

All of these things, when they are combined with methodology around construction, can help to make sure that performance, comfort, and quality are all delivered on a building project with a focus on sustainability. 

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.