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these technologies into our facilities , we ’ re not only improving efficiency and sustainability but also setting a benchmark for responsible greenhouse farming .”
Sustainable solutions
Windset Farms ’ commitment to sustainability permeates all aspects of the company ’ s operations . Steven highlights some other key ways processes have been optimized to minimize the footprint of the business . “ In our greenhouses , we use a water recirculation system that allows us to reuse 98 percent of our water . We ’ ve also installed state-of-theart thermal screens that prevent heat loss , resulting in energy savings of 40 percent . Additionally , our ventilation fans and humidity sensors work together to monitor and control the greenhouse climate .
“ At our Delta facility , we utilize renewable biomass boilers to heat our greenhouses .
These boilers are fueled by wood waste , such as trim ends from mills , damaged pallets - including our own - and postconstruction waste . The wood is burned to heat a water transport system that circulates between the greenhouses . Biomass fuel is carbon neutral because it doesn ’ t emit new carbon into the atmosphere , and by diverting this material from landfills we extract useful energy reducing fossil fuels like natural gas .
“ On the packaging side , we ’ re committed to reducing plastic and incorporating post-consumer recycled content . All our punnets and clamshells contain at least 70 percent recycled material . We ’ ve also transitioned to monomaterial PET lidding film , which reduces plastic use by 50 percent compared to previous materials . These mono-material LDPE bags reduce plastic by 20 percent compared to the alternatives .”
With recent expansions and investments , Steven is excited to see what 2025 will offer . “ We ’ re excited to head into our first winter growing season with the expanded facility in Delta , BC . This past year , we teamed up with Buy BC brand ambassador Chef Ned Bell to create an engaging recipe series and a farm tour for our social media platforms . These initiatives are designed to educate consumers about greenhouse produce , our sustainable growing practices , and the importance of healthy eating . In the new year we ’ re looking forward to continuing campaigns like these for our entire market as we celebrate and support local agriculture and businesses .”
In the coming years both the BC and California plants will see further expansion as the company capitalizes on increasing year-round demand for high quality fresh produce . ■
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