Increasing production and reducing costs. Over the years, many techniques have been developed for this purpose which can boost fresh-cut flower businesses. Colombian carnation and rose farm Ayura SAS however, recognized energy efficiency and suitability as a way of prosperity and found a way to implement renewable energy sources such as solar and tap all available free energy right from its source - the sun.
"As the sun is the source of life on the planet we took one step further and caught a green wave in order to generate our own electricity for self-consumption and selling to utility companies. With our own PV facility with 18.5kW output, we intend to give our contribution to make this world a better place for our children", says José Antonio Restrepo Rada of Ayura.
Flower industry has heroes
"Global warming becomes a reality, we're witnessing tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as sustained droughts in many parts of the world, polluted air, water and soil, as evidence that human activity has had a disastrous effect on nature. We want to show the world that a business can be sustainable, hard-working and influential. Working every day in a natural environment, surrounded by beautiful flowers and dedicated to their careful nurturing, generating solar energy just came as a natural aim."
By demonstrating a project like this, Ayura SAS is eager to show that the flower industry can have its own heroes, while lifting the bar on agricultural standards and moving limits. "Adherence to environmental and social standards in Ayura SAS can inspire even bigger businesses to involve themselves in green energy sources in order to stand out in fighting against climate change."
The true value of generating solar energy is not just to reduce electricity costs, explains José Restrepo, it is actually reflected in a reduction of using energy from fossil fuels power plants, and thus decreasing overall CO2 emissions. "Generating energy in conventional ways, and transporting fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal to power plants are the main atmospheric pollutants. On the other hand, solar energy is inexhaustible, gratuitous and renewable. By generating free energy from the sun, we are committed to preserve natural resources that are vital for humankind, and generations to come." A same sized solar plant that Ayura SAS has in Colombia can save more than 27 tons of CO2 annually.
From solution to environmental contribution
"Colombia has a large renewable potential, and only 1/3 of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels. The energy sector is already well on its way to achieving its renewable targets - 70% of energy from renewable sources by 2030, which is more than double that the European Union is aiming for."
After 25 successful years in the flower business, Ayura SAS relies on long-term cooperation and lasting business relationships. Thanks to good agricultural practices, the company achieves a high degree of process reliability, excellent production results and top quality. Ayura SAS has established itself on the world's key markets for fresh cut flowers and contributes to reducing overall greenhouse emissions.
The team of Ayura at Proflora 2019 in Bogota, Colombia.
"Maybe it's a final hour to turn to companies that are satisfying customer's needs and care about our environment. Ayura SAS is an example of a socially responsible company that is involved in changing our world not just to be aesthetically beautiful, but for the better."
For more information 
Ayura SAS
José Antonio Restrepo Rada
Email: jrestrepo@ayura.co
eclipseflowers.com.co