Young plant growing

Circular economy

We’re rethinking waste, turning what we have into what we need. From infrastructure to everyday gear, we’re finding smart ways to reuse, repurpose and regenerate to avoid unnecessary consumption.

What is the circular economy?

The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through careful design and processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, recycling and composting.

What’s Meridian doing to play its part?

Meridian is committed to being a sector leader in advancing and/or implementing circular solutions for the materials and key items we use. 

As a large generator, developer and retailer of energy, we create waste from the operation and maintenance of our generation assets, the construction of new renewable assets and the operation of our corporate offices.

Our ambition is to achieve zero waste when components of our operational assets (such as solar panels, batteries, turbines, concrete and metals) reach the end of their useful lives. We’re also committed to demonstrating best-practice waste management at our construction sites and corporate offices by targeting zero waste to landfill. 

Find out more about our approach to waste management: 

Leading the way in circular design

  • Springs Junction

    Circular charging at Springs Junction

    At Springs Junction, we’ve taken a fresh approach to EV infrastructure. The site features a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which uses repurposed Nissan Leaf batteries, giving retired EV components a second life. It’s a smart, sustainable solution that shows how circular thinking can power the future.

    Explore the site
  • Zero v2

    A purposeful public charging network

    Our public EV charging network is built for longevity and low environmental impact. All chargers are designed to be repairable, reusable and recyclable. Through preventative maintenance, we catch issues early, reducing waste and extending the life of each unit. It’s a scalable solution that reflects our commitment to thoughtful infrastructure design.

    Find a charger
  • Wellington waterfront

    More than just an office

    When we set out to design our Wellington office, we wanted it to reflect the way we think about the planet - not just in what it looks like, but in how it was made. Materials were salvaged, repurposed and thoughtfully integrated into the space, giving new life to what might otherwise have gone to waste.

    It’s more than just a building, it’s a working example of how smart design can reduce impact and tell a story. Every detail, from the walls to the furniture, speaks to our commitment to doing things differently.

    Take a look inside
  • Hamish Walker

    A big recycling challenge

    What started as an unexpected failure on a key piece of machinery ended as one of the most ambitious and successful recycling projects Meridian has ever undertaken. A failure in one of two transformers at Wellington’s West Wind Farm in May 2023 left the team with just one working transformer and scratching their heads about what to do with the other one.

    Watch our video
  • landscapoe bag

    From billboards to bags

    When our marketing billboards reached the end of their run, we saw an opportunity to do something different. Instead of sending them to landfill, we transformed the tough, weather-worn skins into something useful, durable bags for our team. Each one was unique, shaped by the colours, textures and typography of the original designs. No two bags were the same, and that was the point: a reminder that reuse can be creative, practical and personal. It’s just one way we’re finding new value in old materials.

  • Grab and go

    Grab and go

    Sustainability starts with the everyday choices we make and sometimes, that’s as simple as what we wear. Through our “Grab and Go” initiative, employees bring in old branded gear to be reused, repurposed, or passed on. It’s a practical way to keep materials in use and out of landfill.

    We’ve also added a clothes swap to the mix, giving our people the chance to refresh their wardrobes without buying new. It’s become more than just a sustainability initiative - it’s a way to connect, share and rethink how we value the things we already have.

Creating your own circular economy at home

Creating a more sustainable future means working together and that includes finding smart ways to reuse and repurpose resources at home. Whether you're reusing, repairing, or reimagining what you already have, small changes can make a big impact.

Here are a few ways you can bring circular principles into everyday life:

  • Reuse before you replace
    Give items a second life — from glass jars and containers to furniture and clothing. Repairing or repurposing what you already own helps reduce waste and keeps materials in use.
  • Swap, share and donate
    Hosting a clothes swap with friends or donating items you no longer need is a great way to keep things circulating.
  • Buy with longevity in mind
    Choose products that are built to last, made from recycled materials, or designed to be repaired. Supporting brands that embrace circular design helps drive change across industries.
  • Compost and recycle right
    Organic waste can be turned into nutrient-rich compost and recycling correctly ensures materials are recovered and reused. Check your local council’s guidelines to make sure you’re sorting waste effectively.
  • Get creative
    Circularity can be fun. Upcycling old materials into something new - whether it’s a planter made from a tin can or a tote bag from an old t-shirt, upcycling is a great way to reduce waste and express your creativity.

Every action counts. By making thoughtful choices at home, you too can help build a future where resources are valued, waste is reduced and sustainability is part of everyday life.

Tackling Zero

Tackling Zero is Meridian’s quarterly newsletter for people whose roles or studies are focused on sustainability, or for whom this is an area of interest. Each issue will offer Meridian’s insights into a topical sustainability issue, as well as stories on how we, our customers and supply chain partners are tackling sustainability. It also includes links to recent Meridian disclosures such as new policies and reports.


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