Windset Farms’ greenhouse operation in Ladner is partnering with the province on a major energy efficiency project.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced Thursday that the province is contributing $355,000 to the project through the CleanBC Industry Fund, enabling the huge vegetable greenhouse to grow using just half the amount of natural gas to heat the facility, thus lowering its carbon footprint and increasing its energy efficiency.
The project will install a retractable thermal curtain at one of the company's greenhouses to trap heat in low-light conditions during cloudy days and at night.
“By working together with B.C. growers, we're investing in more sustainable ways to produce local food that decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, reduce pollution and support good jobs for people,” said Minister George Heyman. “This project will significantly reduce natural gas used to heat greenhouse-grown vegetables, save on energy costs and help build our economic recovery from COVID-19.”
The partnership with Windset Farms is expected to reduce nearly 26,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the next decade, the ministry notes, adding it is roughly the same as taking more than 9,000 cars off the road for a year
“Growers in B.C.'s food industry are leading the way forward on climate change by investing in cleaner operations that increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions and sustain good jobs for people,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “This project is an excellent example of B.C. growers working with government to provide sustainable solutions for a market that is increasingly looking for high-quality products with a lower carbon impact.”
The project is part of the CleanBC Industry Fund, which uses carbon tax revenues paid by industry to fund emission reduction projects around the province.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must have emissions over 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year and be a reporting facility under the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act.
“At Windset Farms, sustainability is an important part of our business growing healthy, nutritious food for people," said Steve Newell, president and CEO of Windset Farms. “By investing in new energy-efficient technologies, we're reducing our impact on the environment, saving on energy costs and creating new low-carbon opportunities thanks to funding through CleanBC.”
