How Peas Are Transforming the Manufacturing Industry
PIP International is the startup that discovered an innovative new way to extract protein from yellow peas. Their all-natural, sustainable, and affordable product is well-positioned to be an industry leader in the protein isolate industry.
But what makes the company stand out beyond their product is their commitment to sustainability. As CEO Christine Lewington puts it, “We lead with sustainability, we don’t follow up with it.”
With two years as Managing Director of the two largest solar farms in Canada, Lewington has the experience and passion to set a higher standard for manufacturing facilities. Her mission is to make PIP International’s facility fully self-sufficient. With the help of Terralta’s renewable energy experts, she’s proving that’s possible. Here’s how.
PIP’s Plan for Net Zero
Phase 1
Install standard roof-mounted solar that cares for roughly 30% of the building’s demand load. That’s 267MWh of rooftop solar.
Phase 2
Install Solar EV Carport charging stations with additional solar covers for their expansive patio.
Phase 3
Install innovative solar siding all around the building that doubles as advertising space. The product not only collects energy in a discreet way, it can also be programmed to display their logo and other information.
These three phases cover all electrical demands. Additionally, solar energy creates carbon offsets that can be sold into the market. But it’s not just solar technology at use; Terralta is helping PIP look after their thermal energy and lower their carbon spending. The building will take advantage of every opportunity to be carbon neutral; it will be self-sufficient, meaning it won’t rely on grid power or gas lines.
“Terralta is excited to be working with Christine and her team at PIP with many sustainability initiatives. Being highly committed to providing a sustainably produced product PIP asked for our help to maximize the solar potential in three phases... Without a doubt, PIP takes sustainability and innovation very seriously and we are pleased to be partnered with PIP on their journey.”
Solar Is Becoming the Cheapest Form of Energy
In Alberta, solar energy is already the cheapest energy available. This may sound surprising or downright false, but Jason sees it proven through financial models on a daily basis.
“Right now with solar in Alberta, if a solar system is financed over ten years they’re cash positive right out of the gate,” Atkinson says. With the ability to sell solar energy and offsets, clients can make money from their systems instead of simply paying into a grid for energy with no returns.
“This is why solar is really taking off in Alberta and all over the world. Right now they’re calling it the cheapest generation, which is unbelievable because five years ago it was far from that. The whole dynamic has changed.”
With this solar-forward facility acting as a pilot project, Lewington plans to expand operations using all the same technologies.
