Greenhouse Energy Conservation

Abstract

After labor expenses, energy is typically the largest overhead cost in the production of greenhouse crops in temperate climates. Of the total energy consumed, roughly 65 to 85 percent is for heating, and the remainder is for electricity and transportation. In an industry with declining profit margins and an increased desire for sustainable production, greater emphasis is being placed on producing greenhouse crops in an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly manner. This document presents 13 production strategies and technologies that greenhouse growers can use to reduce energy consumption and improve greenhouse production efficiency. Although many of these concepts can apply to virtually any greenhouse-grown crop, the focus is on the production of floriculture crops in controlled greenhouse environments located in temperate climates.