Episode
60

Energy & Carbon in the Greenhouse Industry with OMAFRA

November 2, 2022
|
Duration:
2093742
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In This Episode:

Join energy coach David Arkell and executive producer Lysandra Naom with guests Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud and James Dyck from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) on an episode all about energy and carbon in greenhouses. This episode features Ontario greenhouse programs, the carbon transition, energy and carbon tools, and more. Check out our 360 Carbon Excellence Program here: www.carbonexcellence.com. Find us at our website www.360energy.net or LinkedIn and Youtube at 360 Energy Inc. Email us at podcast@360energy.net with any comments, questions, or recommendations! Links mentioned in this episode: https://ontario.ca/agrisuite, https://ongreenhousevegetables.ca/, https://onfloriculture.com/, https://www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com/, and https://www.greenhousecanada.com/.

Highlights

  • OMAFRA’s Role and Expertise: Fadi El Dawood, a greenhouse vegetable specialist, and James Dick, an engineering specialist, leverage their expertise in plant biology and environmental management to collaborate with Ontario greenhouse producers on productivity and sustainability improvements.
  • Energy Costs and Carbon Impact: Rising energy costs and carbon taxes have motivated greenhouse operators to adopt cost-saving measures such as LED lighting and energy-efficient curtains.
  • Carbon Calculator Development: OMAFRA is creating a carbon calculator to help farmers estimate greenhouse gas emissions, identify energy usage patterns, and implement efficiency improvements to lower carbon footprints.
  • Technological Advancements: Research supported by OMAFRA explores sustainable technologies like heat capture systems, hybrid boilers, and off-peak lighting, aimed at reducing energy costs and dependency on fossil fuels.
  • Educational Initiatives: OMAFRA provides webinars, training, and funding programs, such as the Greenhouse Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative (GCII), to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and the sharing of best practices within the industry.
  • Key Insights

  • Energy Efficiency as a Cost-Control Strategy: Greenhouse operators focus on energy efficiency to mitigate rising utility costs and carbon taxes, utilizing tools like the carbon calculator to identify and implement improvements.
  • Practical Impact of Data-Driven Decision Making: Accurate energy audits and data analysis provide greenhouse operators with actionable insights, enabling targeted cost-saving and carbon reduction measures.
  • Integration of Advanced Technologies: Technologies such as hybrid boilers and solar thermal systems enable greenhouses to manage energy demands more sustainably, optimizing usage based on cost and resource availability.
  • Continuous Learning and Community Support: OMAFRA’s educational programs and collaborative initiatives provide Ontario greenhouse operators with valuable resources and support to enhance operational sustainability.
  • Global and Local Collaboration: OMAFRA partners with organizations both within Canada and internationally, such as those in the Netherlands, to advance sustainable practices and share expertise in greenhouse operations.
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