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It may seem like a net zero future, where greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere are balanced by those removed, is out of reach. Princeton University’s Net-Zero America research suggests that meeting energy needs without putting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere means roughly quadrupling wind and solar power production by 2030 to get the United States to net zero by 2050.
The good news: the scale up is possible. Even better news: much of the energy needed can be fueled by technology that is already in hand or more accurately, over our heads. Rooftop, or photovoltaic (PV), systems that absorb sunlight to generate electricity reduce dependence on fossil fuels, ease the strain on the grid and are increasingly affordable.
“The cost for solar panels has decreased tenfold since 1990,” says Calvin Young, Project Executive, High Performance, Pepper Construction, Indiana. Soaring commercial energy prices in recent years have also made solar economically attractive.
True to our Environmental, Social and Governance commitment, Pepper upholds the best interests of our shared resources and our clients, who increasingly look to reduce costs and carbon emissions.
Pepper employs scalable carbon reduction strategies for every client we serve,” says Calvin. “Our approach to solar energy solutions, like rooftop solar arrays helps clients capture value upfront and capitalize on applicable incentives, so they can optimize cost savings while reaching environmental stewardship goals.
Keeping it clean is a cornerstone of Pepper’s expertise in high-performance and sustainable building. A quick look at our solar energy Drawdown Statistics in the last five years shows our potential impact:
- 188,034 MWh generated – enough solar electricity to power 17,657 homes for a year;
- 66,660,872 kBTu saved – enough natural gas and electricity to heat 451,067 homes for a year.
When clients like Zionsville Presbyterian Church in Indiana express their eco-friendly ambitions, Pepper partners with them to evaluate their project’s solar potential and provide options that maximized savings and sustainability.
“Rooftop solar arrays offer clients an efficient way to reduce energy bills and minimize environmental impact,“ says Calvin. “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) opened incentives to not-for-profit entities to utilize tax benefits associated with solar systems. The opportunities available through the IRA resulted in increased interest in onsite clean energy strategies.”
Pepper's meticulous practice helps clients make their best decisions, even when solar isn't part of the initial plan. Brought on board to complete a 13,000 square-foot addition and 41,000 square-foot renovation at Zionsville Presbyterian Church, the team integrated rooftop solar options in the design phase when the client champion for the cause recognized Pepper's capabilities. The community now enjoys the expanded dedicated space and improved security for the church's Noah's Ark childcare program, as well as the benefits of a 46 kWDC solar array: a 1,469-ton reduction in CO2 emissions over its lifetime and cost savings of $7,521 per year.
To make economic sense, solar arrays must successfully navigate structural constraints. Pepper’s holistic approach prioritizes clients’ unique needs and close consultation with project stakeholders on the viability and feasibility of going solar before designs are complete. It also includes the advantages of expert tradespeople on staff and extensive knowledge of working with local utilities, as well as adhering to any prevailing wage requirements.
“We make sure clients understand all of the complexities of renewable energy projects,” says Calvin, “which means they can be both confident that the structure and electrical service can handle their rooftop installation and certain to maximize the return on their investment.”
For Mercury Marine, the tenant at a new 512,000 square-foot distribution center Pepper completed in 2022 in Brownsburg, Indiana, installing a solar array aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability as world leader in marine propulsions systems. The new building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified. Proactively involved in the design process, the Pepper team helped the client achieve this certification with the installation of a roof-mounted solar array on the southwest corner of the facility. In addition to an annual cost savings of $17,685, the 105 kWDC solar array on the 750,000 square-foot roof offsets 11.7 percent of the building’s energy use, the equivalent of 7.3 homes.
This depth of expertise gives Pepper strong precedent to draw from in adding value that delivers on our promise to be good stewards of our clients’ visions, our communities’ well-being and our planets’ health – a promise that extends to building healthier, cleaner and smarter on our own construction projects. The solar arrays on the newest Pepper office, a 23,000-square-foot Net Zero Energy building in Cincinnati, Ohio, produce an estimated 220,000 kWh per year. Our Indiana office earned Energy Star certification for outstanding building performance, and our Net Zero Jobsite Trailer has been recognized with multiple awards for use of technology and environmental impact.
“This kind of response, where we reshape how we construct to consume energy is crucial to living on a changing planet,” says Calvin, “and a responsibility we take seriously. We know how to make our projects sustainable, and we bring the expertise that optimize service and value.”
With a track record that demonstrates success in eliminating almost 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide in the last five years, Pepper is showing a way forward for the industry to take the net zero challenge head on.
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