Campaigning For Sustainability
One of 26 businesses in a building complex, Meridian Pacific, Inc. stands out as a leader in environmentally-friendly business practices. As a Sacramento Sustainable Business (SSB), Meridian Pacific set out to reduce their energy use, conserve water, reduce waste, support alternative transportation, and reduce work-related travel. One of Meridian Pacific’s main accomplishments includes spearheading a recycling program. When the business discovered their recyclables were being thrown in the trash, they contacted their property manager to build a proper recycling receptacle. Their recycling efforts spread throughout the building complex and now include all 26 businesses in the building. Meridian Pacific replaced lighting in their office, changing over 50 light bulbs to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. The business estimates they’ve saved 17 tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere by making the switch.
What Actions Did Meridian Pacific Take to Save Energy?
In order to become a certified Sacramento Sustainable Business, Meridian Pacific took specific actions to save energy. First, they replaced over 50 traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. They replaced two air conditioners and a dishwasher with more efficient models and installed a programmable thermostat.
What Actions Did Meridian Pacific Take to Save Water?
Meridian Pacific replaced its toilets with low-flow models to save water. Their original toilets used up to 7 gallons of water per flush. The low-flow toilets now use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush. According to a 2008 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, low-flow toilets can save an average family of four up to 22,000 gallons of water per year. With over 20 employees at the office, Meridian Pacific’s water savings in 2008 can be estimated at nearly 100,000 gallons of water.
What Actions Did Meridian Pacific Take to Green Their Transportation?
In an effort to encourage bicycling to work, Meridian Pacific split the cost with their property manager to install a bike rack for all 26 businesses in their building complex. In addition, Meridian Pacific saves an average of 48 flights per year by using a video conferencing system to connect with clients. This action alone saves over 12.5 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
What Actions Did Meridian Pacific Take to Cut Waste?
In order to reduce plastic consumption, Meridian Pacific adopted the use of a water delivery service in June 2008. Prior to that they purchased bottled water for employees. This simple change saved approximately 2,664 plastic bottles from going to landfills for the second half of 2008.
Meridian Pacific has played a big role in turning their business and building complex into a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly place to work.
Meridian Pacific, Inc. worked with their property manager to install a recycling bin (shown above), and with the Sacramento Department of Utilities to ensure regular pick up of their recyclables.
“Meridian Pacific’s persistent efforts have helped their business become more sustainable and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They have set an exceptional example for our business complex and all Sacramento area businesses.” - Matt Michael, Property Manager, Executive Guild Phase II &III
Campaign management firm that employs policies, practices and management decisions to address climate change and environmental responsibility
Actions to Save Energy & Cut Waste
- Installed low-flow toilets and energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) lights
- Installed a bicycle rack for the building complex
- Implemented a building-wide recycling program
- Stopped purchasing bottled water
- Installed a programmable thermostat
- Supplies employees with reusable dishes and utensils for meal times
- Uses a video conferencing system instead of flying on an airplane to meet with clients
Estimated Yearly Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions
- 17 tons of CO2* by switching to CFL bulbs (*Over the CFL bulb’s lifetime)
- 12.5 tons of CO2 by not flying to see clients