Oregon growers commit to reduce energy use, greenhouse gases

Ore. Assoc. of Nurseries and Ore. Environmental Council are partnering to implement the Climate Friendly Nurseries Project. 7 nursery operations have signed up for the project that seeks to assist nurseries in using energy and other resources more efficiently, to reduce costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The project’s central goal is to help participating nurseries reduce energy, resource inputs and greenhouse gas emissions while achieving greater economic efficiency and profitability. Assisting in the project will be Ecos Consulting and Ore. St. Univ. The project team will help the participating nurseries to secure grants, low interest loans and tax credits for energy and resource efficiency upgrades and provide technical assistance. The 3-year project begins in September with the collection of data by the nurseries to measure energy and resource use and greenhouse gas emissions. Much of the funding for the project will come from the federal Dept. of Ag. and EPA.