Randhawa Farms Ltd.

Carbon offset funds enabled the greenhouse operator to install insulating curtains to meet the heating needs of an existing commercial greenhouse producing fruits and vegetables. Use of the insulating curtains reduces annual operating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the natural gas baseline.

HOW IT WORKS
The energy curtains are used at night and during overcast conditions to effectively insulate the building. By providing insulation, the curtains reduce heat loss as well as the demand for energy to heat the greenhouse.

CARBON OFFSETS MADE IT HAPPEN
Without offset funds the financial payback for this installation would not have been viable and the greenhouse would have continued without insulation. Use of this technology is not common practice and reduces GHG emissions compared to a traditional approach. This project also stands as a model for energy innovation and a switch to a lower carbon future.

OTHER BENEFITS OF THE INSTALLATION
Beyond the direct climate benefits, this installation promotes innovation and the emergence of new energy technology. This project also helps to overcome the primary threat to a viable local food sector in British Columbia: the high level of fossil fuel input generally required for growing food in Canada’s cold climate. In addition to the direct emissions reductions on site, this project makes local food production more feasible, boosts the regional economy, and reduces the need to import food from far away.