In Quebec, greenhouse heating is a major expense that can account for up to 30% of horticultural and market gardeners’ operating costs.
Boost your production and savings through energy efficiency
Fortunately, practical solutions can optimize greenhouse energy efficiency, reduce energy bills and limit GHG emissions, while maintaining optimal growing conditions.
- 1
Thermal screens:
This relatively simple solution consists in installing screens that reduce heat loss—and therefore energy consumption. They also optimize humidity levels and help prevent overheating, thereby boosting productivity.
- 2
Climate management system (smart greenhouse):
This programmable computer system automatically and manages humidity, ventilation, air circulation and irrigation levels in real time based on the needs of each greenhouse area, optimizing the crops’ energy and water consumption.
- 3
Heat recovery and CO2 injection:
These solutions work together to recover heat from boiler flue gases to reduce the greenhouse’s heating requirements and to reinjecting the CO2 collected from those gases into the greenhouse to foster plant growth.
- 4
Heat pumps and/or energy loop:
A heat pump harnesses warm outside air to heat the greenhouse and reduce its natural gas consumption. Alternatively, if the greenhouse is located near an exothermic facility like as a data centre or plant—which emits heat—, a residual heat loop allows some of that energy to be recovered and reused to reduce greenhouse heating costs.
Implementing energy efficiency measures in a greenhouse has several benefits:
Lower energy bills and GHG emissions.
Faster and healthier crop growth
A more sustainable economy through better energy management
15.5% to 35%1
These are the annual energy savings that can be achieved by installing thermal shields. An automated climate management system can potentially increase crop yields by 20% to over 30%.2
Go further
Harvest efficiency
Find out how the right energy efficiency measures can significantly reduce energy bills and improve profitability for greenhouse businesses.
Legal notices
- Based on tests conducted by Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture and Delphy (U.S.) and empirical observations in Quebec.
- Source: https://lejardiniermaraicher.com/agriculture/automation-pour-augmenter-le-rendement-de-vos-serres/ (opens in new tab)
- Certain conditions apply. Grants subject to change without notice. Check each grant’s webpage for eligibility criteria.
