Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Data Center Greener

Julie Starr • February 15, 2022



Whether you run an on-prem or third-party-operated data center, looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact is critical. Currently, servers consume around 1 percent of the world’s total energy supply, and thanks to the growth of IT, that number is rising all the time. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money making your servers greener. In fact, inexpensive fixes can make a world of difference. Check out these cheap ways to make your data center less harmful to the environment. 

Centralize The Air Handling

Putting all your HVAC air handling in one place is a good policy for two reasons: 

  • It allows the system to work more efficiently, reducing energy costs
  • It cuts down on maintenance and servicing costs

You’ll notice that your HVAC runs more smoothly and consumes less energy when you adopt this strategy. 

Use A Greener Service

If you outsource your IT and data center operations, then use a sustainable service. Look for a managed service provider that uses energy-efficient data centers. Many companies in this industry will tell you upfront whether they offer green service options or not, and how you can access them. 

Monitor Your Critical Load

As Google demonstrated with the introduction of its deep learning datacenter monitoring algorithm designed to reduce energy usage, monitoring is everything. The more you can keep track of information like water consumption, gas consumption, critical load and so on, the more you’ll be able to tweak your systems to run more efficiently. 

Don’t attempt to do this manually. Instead, find a software solution that monitors all the variables for you and makes automatic adjustments on your behalf. 

Discover Your Carbon Footprint

Do you have any idea how much CO2 your data center is responsible for emitting? If not, then you won’t be in a good position to figure out whether you need to make improvements. Your CIO will have no target metric for decision-making. 

Remember, when it comes to CO2 savings, you don’t always need a complete remodel. Making simple changes, such as keeping hot and cold air separate, can be highly effective. 

Only Build What You Need

If you’re planning on opening an on-prem data center, only build what you need. Companies will often invest in massive server racks with thousands of terabytes more storage than they need, only to never use them. If you can, build out a modular system. This way, you can add new capacity incrementally, including both storage and cooling. 

Use A Heat Wheel

If you have an on-prem data center, try to use a heat wheel if you can — a large aluminum wheel that transfers heat to the outside without the need to introduce new air. 

Ensure That Your Equipment Is Functioning Correctly

Lastly, make sure that your equipment is functioning correctly . Problems with air conditioning and server racks themselves can cause excess energy consumption. 

Also, check that your systems aren’t working against each other. Don’t run a dehumidifier at the same time as running a humidifier. 

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.