NFU Energy

UK: How retailers collaborating on decarbonisation could impact horticulture

Twenty retail businesses have recently joined forces through the British Retail Consortium (BRC), pledging to develop a blueprint for decarbonisation of the industry. Among the signatories are several supermarkets that have committed to reducing emissions not only in their shops but also through their…

CAN (QC): New cost-effective rate offering for greenhouse growers

Hydro-Québec has filed an application with the Régie de l’énergie regarding a new rate offering to support the development of the Québec greenhouse industry. The application provides for a rate of 5.59¢ per kilowatthour (kWh) for photosynthetic lighting and space heating to raise crops, available to all…

Energy Efficient Communities Grants Program open to Australian growers

The Federal Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources is offering grants up to $20,000 for Australian small businesses under the Energy Efficient Communities…

Water-filled glass; saving energy and reducing carbon emissions

Most everyone knows that heating and cooling buildings is not only expensive, but a massive issue due to the resulting carbon emissions. According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment contributes around 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint – with heating alone contributing to 10% of…

Kennedy & Violich Architecture

US (MA): Botanical greenhouse can generate all of its own energy

Boston-based architecture firm Kennedy & Violich Architecture has flipped the script for energy-intensive greenhouses with the net-zero energy Global Flora, a sustainable botanical facility for Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Engineered to exceed the Net Zero Water & Energy requirements of the Living…

"Increased plant imports highlight the growing need to support UK horticulture"

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is calling for the UK Government to address the growing need to support UK horticulture and with it, support a green economic revival post-COVID-19. A new HTA industry survey reveals that over half of British ornamental growers (52%) expect a further downturn in…

Three actions slashed energy costs 40% for this Canadian greenhouse grower

Greenhouse growers can proactively save a lot of money on their energy use. In these perilous economic times, they need every advantage they can get. After all, energy nearly…

Biomass boilers: what wood to burn?

For those with biomass boilers, renewable heat is a critical aspect of their business – but what you buy and use on site can carry more weight than most would think. By Sophie Archer In recent months, there have been significant developments and tightening of permitting compliance responsibilities…

Raemelton Farm

USDA Certified Organic tree grower joins Bower & Branch network

Bower & Branch, the e-commerce brand consisting of a network of independent growers, service providers and garden retailers across the United States, continues to expand with the addition of Raemelton Farm in Frederick County, Maryland to the grower network. Raemelton Farm is the first and only USDA…

"Geothermal energy market grows exponentially, but needs the right market conditions to thrive"

In Europe, the geothermal energy market has been growing fast in 2019, but the policy framework has been proven crucial in affecting its development. These findings come from the European Geothermal Market Report 2019 published today by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC). At the end of 2019,…

Gakon installs 1,088 solar panels

Gakon has placed 1088 solar panels on the roof of the factory, the office and the expedition. The construction of no less than 1088 solar panels went through two phases. During the first phase, the mounting systems were installed by partner Van der Valk Solar Systems from Monster. The solar panels were…

UK: The twists and turns of the RHI

The Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government scheme that has encouraged thousands of businesses to install biomass boilers and heat pumps since its launch in November 2011. However, the RHI as we know it is expected to close to new applications on 31 March 2022. Whilst 2022 might seem…

"Adopting biomass heating will allow your business big savings and a healthy income"

The prospect of big savings and generating a healthy income paired, with environmental legislation and net-zero emissions targets have spawned many biomass installations within the horticultural industry. Many nurseries have proved that the RHI can provide a great additional income whilst allowing for…