Tips for energy efficient greenhouse operations

Improving energy efficiency can allow greenhouses to reduce their environmental footprint and, when done correctly, also save on energy expenses. Energy is often one of the top operating costs for growers behind labor. Use this energy efficiency guide from Sustainabloom to help make decisions in your business and communicate plans with your team, customers and suppliers.

Why improving greenhouse energy efficiency matters

Cost reduction: Energy expenses constitute a significant portion of the operational costs in floriculture. Advances in energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and smart irrigation systems, offer opportunities for floriculture businesses to improve efficiency through reduced electricity use for lighting and watering systems.

Environmental sustainability: Energy production often relies on burning fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Conserving and using less fuel helps mitigate these negative impacts.

Competitive advantage: Consumers increasingly favor products from environmentally conscious and sustainable businesses, including use of energy-saving practices.

How to get started with greenhouse energy efficiency improvements

Conduct energy audits: Energy audits can provide insights into potential efficiency opportunities. Start by assessing current energy usage patterns and identifying areas with the highest energy consumption. (See sidebar on pg. 84.)

Invest in energy-efficient equipment: Consider upgrading to energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems. While the initial investment may be high to purchase new technology or retrofit existing systems, the long-term savings often outweigh the upfront costs. When selecting lighting, consider the specific photoperiod and intensity required for the plants you are growing.

Install a greenhouse covering: Polycarbonate linings with an infrared inhibitor can save up to 15% of energy costs, according to UMass Extension.

Optimize heating and cooling systems: Implement temperature and humidity controls to ensure optimal growing conditions while minimizing energy consumption. Utilize insulation and shading to reduce heat loss or gain in greenhouses. Even small steps — like cleaning fan blades and safety screens — can save as much as 20% of total energy use, according to Penn State Extension. Repair any leaks in valves, steam traps and pipes to improve energy efficiency in coolers.

Maximize natural lighting: Position greenhouses to maximize exposure to natural sunlight and minimize reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours. Install light-diffusing materials to ensure uniform light distribution, such as reflectors, which can help direct light toward plants. Consider maximizing natural light in your office spaces as well.

Improve irrigation practices: Adopt drip irrigation systems and moisture sensors to optimize water usage and reduce energy-intensive pumping. Recycle and reuse irrigation water where feasible to minimize waste.

Employee training and awareness: Educate staff about the importance of energy efficiency and train them to operate equipment effectively. Encourage employees to adopt energy-saving practices in their daily tasks.

Measuring changes in energy efficiency

Some companies have goals of “net-zero” emissions, which means the carbon dioxide emitted by a business is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered through carbon removal activities. A robust business strategy to get to net-zero typically involves improving energy efficiency, examining land use, switching to renewable energy sources and training employees to help meet sustainability goals, according to Harvard Business Review. To help understand your organization’s carbon footprint, access Sustainabloom’s Carbon Accounting Overview guide.

To see the entire Sustainabloom Energy Efficiency Guide, click here.