Like many environmentally conscious businesses, Pierce Manufacturing’s sustainability initiatives have grown substantially over the years.
Efforts were taken to a new level in 2023, with the construction of a 90,000-square-foot expansion to Pierce Manufacturing’s Assembly Plant in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Learn more about Pierce’s sustainability initiative and the unique ways it can benefit fire departments.
A New Solar Power Microgrid
Pierce’s environmental team envisioned the construction of the facility expansion as the perfect opportunity to incorporate the company’s first-ever solar microgrid. As the new space was built, the facilities team and contractors constructed the building to accommodate the solar microgrid needed to supply the desired energy.
“This project was a solar approach to energy generation for the new assembly facility, and we are thrilled with the outcome,” stated Mackenzie Klein, Environmental and Sustainability Engineer. “The solar grid is comprised of a solar photovoltaic solution combined with a battery energy storage system. The microgrid creates and provides energy to level energy spikes from the site.”
To help supplement the project’s total cost, Pierce became the first manufacturing company to be awarded a solar grant from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin - Energy Innovation.
The solar PV solution generates energy to charge the connected ESS battery system to store energy that is discharged during peak demand in the pump test building, reducing the site’s overall electricity use and costs. Using the stored energy of the power grids results in higher energy savings compared to traditional solar energy generation used to power the main facility directly.
Benefits to Fire Departments and Pierce Customers
Beyond capturing and storing solar energy for other site energy applications, the project provides many additional benefits that are not directly financial.
- Good energy stewards. Being good stewards of company resources includes managing energy well, reducing usage and always looking for ways to partner with internal and external resources to impact the company’s social and ecological bottom line. At Pierce, we believe in setting an example for the fire industry and hope that what we learn with new initiatives can help us build relationships on behalf of and in support of our valued customers.
- Establishing sustainability-focused partnerships. Many municipalities throughout the United States have driven change by championing comprehensive climate policies. As a result, many fire departments must comply with these policies by working with eco-friendly manufacturers. Pierce's proven commitment to continue growing its sustainable manufacturing practices makes it easy for fire departments tasked with selecting fire apparatus manufacturers and fire trucks that reduce emissions.
- Sharing sustainability knowledge. Pierce has taken a leading role in sustainable manufacturing practices and choosing solar panels has another added benefit. Pierce is happy to share the solar microgrid system as an example to customers of how they can bring solar to their fire stations.
Team members are proud to showcase this innovation as Pierce progresses as a company offering sustainable and electrified customer vehicle options.
“The current solar microgrid system has the ability to expand to the other half of the facility’s rooftop, providing even more energy savings. We’ll also continue to share what we have learned from this project to assist our sister sites and customers in bringing solar to their facilities.”
It’s safe to say Pierce’s environmental sustainability efforts will continue well into the future. For more information about our electric vehicle options and sustainable initiatives or if you have questions, please reach out to your local Pierce dealer.
Take a look at our additional resources that review Pierce’s focus on sustainable manufacturing and product development.