Sustainability is commonly defined as meeting the needs of the present in ways that provide for future generations. Communities and organizations will seek new standards for development to embrace environmental stewardship which will include renewable sources of energy to power our way of life. Renewable energies such as wind and solar do not burn fossil fuels to produce electricity and represent a proactive strategy to minimize greenhouse emissions and counter the impacts of Climate Change.

Wind Power

Worldwide, wind power is the fastest growing segment of the energy market. Wind power uses the force of the wind to drive a turbine that produces electricity. The wind turbine is connected to the electric grid feeding excess energy back to the electric company. Wind power provides a clean source of energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions generated by traditional energy power plants, protects natural areas from mining and oil drilling, reduces water pollution and does not disturb farming or forestry operations. Wind power feasibility has dramatically increased in recent years because in addition to providing clean renewable energy, residential, commercial and municipal wind turbine projects may be eligible for numerous grants, rebates and incentives through state and federal programs, enhancing their feasibility and return on investment. Meridian Associates can help identify available funding mechanisms which prove wind power as a viable financial asset, and provide wind power feasibility studies and other services.

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Meridian Associates has helped organizations realize the benefits of wind power by reducing their current and future electricity costs, lessening their use of fossil fuels for electricity, and decreasing their overall impact on the environment.

Solar Power

Renewable Energy systems offer emission free energy in addition to providing a hedge against the rising cost of electricity. Meridian Associates has provided technical support for solar photovoltaic feasibility and design for both residential and commercial clients. In addition to providing clean renewable energy, residential, commercial and municipal photovoltaic projects may be eligible for numerous grants, rebates and incentives by state and federal entities, enhancing feasibility and return on investment. Meridian Associates can help identify available funding mechanisms which prove photovoltaic’s as a viable financial asset.

Solar Feasibility studies are performed with the aid of computer modeled solar tracking software to determine maximum exposure analysis. For larger installations, Meridian Associates is capable of creating a 3D roof area drawings utilizing laser scanning technology to aid in the design and layout of the proposed solar array. In addition, Meridian Associates provides clients with end-to-end project management services for their solar initiatives.

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Meridian Associates has consistently reduced our clients electricity costs through solar powered systems and as a result, decreased their overall environmental impact.

No single source of energy represents the solution to meet both our rising energy demand and our commitment to national security. Meridian Associates also supports the development of alternative energy development and generation. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Resource Recovery Facilities, and research facilities which examine innovative methods of energy extraction are an important part of the energy equation.

Alternative fuel filling stations have been identified by scientists and government agencies as a measurable way to significantly reduce emissions resulting from transportation. Our design and engineering services have played a leading role in the development of seven AVSG stations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. CNG fuel is the cleanest existing form of fuel, other than electric power, for passenger and commercial vehicles.

The establishment of high accuracy control networks to promote the efficient maintenance of equipment and expansion of generating capacities has benefited waste-to-energy conversion facilities and reduced the volume of waste deposited in landfills.

Nuclear power, the world's largest existing source of emission –free energy supports energy security by decreasing dependence on foreign oil. This energy source produces virtually no air pollution, in contrast to the chief viable alternative —coal. The use of nuclear power also reduces green house gas emissions, avoiding ground-level ozone formation and preventing acid rain.

With the costs of fossil fuels continuing to rise and the demand for electricity ever growing, nuclear energy provides affordable and reliable power that is meeting the nation’s rising demand. Nuclear generating stations today supply almost 20% of the U.S. electrical need, providing an uninterrupted flow of electricity for extended periods of time. They help supply the necessary level of “base load” electricity for the electricity transmission network, or “grid,” to operate.

Meridian Associates is helping to keep the U.S. nuclear fleet at operating capacity by providing technical support services to the owners and engineering companies that operate and maintain these plants.

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Meridian Associates has helped major utility companies continue to operate their plants safely and reliably by providing valuable information and services to maintain and extend the life of these important assets.

With the global demand for energy at an all-time high, and an increased focus on decreasing the carbon footprint, energy companies are challenged with greening their operations. The utility companies are meeting that challenge by upgrading plants and installing clean air systems to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Installing these systems in existing plants can be challenging due the age of the facilities and the complexity of the systems.

Meridian Associates is helping the U.S. fossil power plant fleet adopt cleaner practices by providing technical support services to the owners and engineering companies that operate and maintain these plants.

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Meridian has employed 3 dimensional laser scanning to assist owners, operators and other consultants in the upgrade and expansion of refineries to improve efficiency and boost production of domestic facilities throughout the US. New regulatory requirements also drive demand for plant retrofits and increasingly stringent site safety requirements.

Aging refineries require maintenance and replacement of components to avoid potential accidents. Our services, including 3 dimensional laser scanning, civil engineering, and land surveying have provided support in the delivery of petroleum energy to the public through oil rigs, petroleum refineries, and refueling stations.

The replacement of large vessels or equipment often necessitates the validation of the delivery path to avoid construction interference through clash detection in 3 dimensional formats. Our services, including 3 dimensional laser scanning, civil engineering, and land surveying have provided a wide range of services to support the delivery of petroleum energy to the public through oil rigs, petroleum refineries, and refueling stations. Meridian Associates has helped major engineering and construction companies improve plant operations and extend the life span of these plants by providing information and services valuable in the design, engineering and retrofit construction of these systems.