Meridian Credit Union (MCU), Ontario’s largest credit union with over 365,000 members, exemplifies a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Beyond financial services, MCU supports a mission to serve both members and communities with initiatives that prioritize sustainability, diversity, and a transition to a cleaner future. This mission reflects MCU’s core belief that financial empowerment goes hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship and community support.
In keeping with these values, MCU’s 32,000 sq. ft. Toronto headquarters was designed with a focus on natural elements. This connection to nature inspired the idea of adding a vibrant living wall with an integrated brand logo at the main entrance, symbolizing MCU’s commitment to sustainability and bringing the outdoors in. To execute this project with confidence, MCU partnered with New Earth Solutions.
BACKGROUND
Meridian Credit Union’s journey toward sustainable, employee-centred design was top of mind when designing the Toronto office. The vision for the office was forward-thinking and intended to create an environment where employees would want to come into the office; an exciting and invigorating space where they could learn, thrive, and collaborate. The workspace design incorporated natural materials like wood, limestone, and biomimetic textiles, creating an immersive environment that fostered a sense of connection to the outdoors.
The overall office layout emphasized a vibrant and nurturing workplace environment, with various “neighbourhoods” to support different work modes—whether for collaboration, focused tasks, learning, or socializing. This setup was part of Meridian’s goal to create “an inspirational work environment that is open, collaborative and empowers users to reach their professional goals” offering the Meridian community a fresh and dynamic space to enjoy.
Another notable feature is a thoughtfully designed pathway known as the “Meridian Mile” wrapping each floorplate to encourage movement. Emulating a natural outdoor path through colour, pattern, and texture, the pathway served as a reminder of Meridian’s commitment to employee wellness by promoting movement. Drawing inspiration from nature and biophilic design principles, the headquarters incorporated many elements, like the “Meridian Mile”, to promote a healthier, more engaging workspace.
Among these thoughtful and intentional features is a striking living wall located in the main entrance behind the Welcome Centre. The living wall’s purpose goes beyond aesthetics. It is crafted as a powerful emblem of Meridian’s values, demonstrating their commitment to green practices while offering practical benefits such as reducing noise pollution as a natural sound barrier and enhancing employees’ well-being by connecting them with living plants.
OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this project was to design a living wall that would be visually appealing while also being resilient to ensure that it would remain an enduring part of the space for years to come.
Meridian’s collaboration with New Earth Solutions was rooted in a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. The partnership showcased Meridian’s dedication to exploring creative, impactful solutions that benefit employees, members, and the wider community. New Earth Solutions, with its mission to reconnect urban environments with nature in innovative ways, was uniquely positioned to support Meridian’s goals.
SOLUTION
We approached this project with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance. The team proposed a comprehensive plan, including plant design and integration of signage, the installation of a state-of-the-art, fully-integrated, living wall system, Respira Pro, and a long-term maintenance plan. Respira Pro is a modular system that has a robust infrastructure to support plant health. This system was chosen in order to reduce water consumption, support continuous plant health, and minimize ongoing maintenance costs.
Strategically chosen plant species were introduced to provide year-round colour and texture, while integrated sensors now monitor the system’s health and can identify problems before they arise.
IMPLEMENTATION
The installation process was meticulously planned to minimize disruptions in the workplace. Old infrastructure was carefully removed, making way for this innovative new living wall feature that reflects MCU’s values of forward-thinking, environmental stewardship and employee well-being.
The living wall, spanning 6ft tall and 12ft wide, is made up of modular sections, making maintenance simpler and allowing flexibility for future upgrades. Within the wall are over 200 individual plants, working together to create a beautiful and inviting feature for the Meridian office.
After completing the installation of the new living wall system, the New Earth Solutions team conducts monthly maintenance visits to ensure the plants remain healthy and the system functions efficiently.
RESULTS & IMPACT
Beyond its immediate visual appeal, the wall has improved the ambiance of MCU’s headquarters, creating an environment that feels both invigorating and calming. By reconnecting employees with nature, the wall has contributed to a workplace culture that values well-being, balance and creative solutions to encountered problems.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE:
This project demonstrates MCU’s commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with the company’s ESG objectives.
Socially, the wall serves as a daily reminder of Meridian’s values, reinforcing the company’s dedication to creating a healthy, supportive workplace. Employees, and visitors, are greeted by a tangible example of Meridian’s commitment to sustainability, strengthening the company’s brand as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious organization. Studies have also shown that exposure to nature in the workplace can improve employee morale, reduce stress, and boost creativity. A thriving living wall can contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.
The living wall also contributes to the governance component of ESG as the strategic decision reflects a forward-thinking approach to property management that not only meets regulatory standards but also positions the asset for long-term sustainability. This clear dedication to corporate responsibility further enhances MCU’s reputation as a sustainable company and supports its direction of attracting environmentally conscious customers and employees.
The living wall has even extended its benefits to the industry at large by positioning Meridian as a leader in sustainable design within the financial sector. As companies across industries recognize the importance of sustainable practices, Meridian’s success with the Respira Pro living wall system serves as an example of how green infrastructure can be integrated effectively into corporate spaces. By openly demonstrating the wall’s impact, Meridian provides a blueprint for other organizations looking to create greener, healthier workplaces.
Meridian Credit Union’s collaboration with New Earth Solutions has transformed its Toronto headquarters into a modern workplace that embodies the values of sustainability and overall well-being of people. The living wall stands as a testament to MCU’s commitment to green initiatives and serves as an inspiring example for other organizations seeking to balance environmental impact with employee welfare. Through this project, Meridian continues to lead by example, setting a standard in the financial sector for integrating nature into the built environment.