Key Takeaways
- Wheatfield Gardens participated in the New York State Greenhouse Benchmarking initiative, supported by GLASE and NYSERDA.
- The benchmarking report led to upgrades, including an energy curtain and high-efficacy LED lighting, improving greenhouse efficiency.
- GLASE researchers collaborated with FlexTech consultants to deliver data-driven insights and performance comparisons.
- Wheatfield Gardens is also capturing and reusing CO₂ emissions from natural gas combustion for crop fertilization.
- The facility continues to explore sustainability strategies supported by GLASE tools and recommendations.
Wheatfield Gardens Collaborates with GLASE to Benchmark and Enhance Greenhouse Efficiency
Report Provides Actionable Insights Through NYSERDA-Supported Program
Wheatfield Gardens, a 550,000 square-foot hydroponic greenhouse in Niagara County, New York, recently completed a comprehensive benchmarking process through the Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE) consortium. In partnership with NYSERDA and EnSave, the GLASE benchmarking initiative offers commercial growers in New York State detailed energy performance reports and comparisons against anonymized statewide metrics.
The benchmarking report for Wheatfield Gardens included baseline energy usage, detailed crop-specific performance analysis, and technology recommendations. Site visits and utility records spanning October 2021 to September 2022 formed the basis of the analysis, which was reviewed by GLASE researchers and FlexTech consultants.
“The granularity of the report was actually beneficial. It’s the kind of analysis that helps improve operations and the bottom line,” said Paal Elfstrum, CEO and founder of Wheatfield Gardens.
From Report to Action: Implementing Efficiency Upgrades
Energy Curtain and LED Lighting Improve Energy Use
Following the benchmarking review, Wheatfield Gardens implemented two major upgrades:
- An energy curtain system for the cannabis canopy to retain heat and lower nighttime energy consumption.
- High-efficacy LED fixtures rated at 2.3 µmol/J to replace less efficient lighting systems.
Energy curtains reduce heating fuel use by creating a thermal barrier, while LEDs improve lighting efficiency and offer better control over plant development. These upgrades were recommended in the benchmarking report and are designed to reduce operational costs while improving sustainability.
Greenhouse CO₂ Capture Demonstrates Commitment to Innovation
Internal Systems Repurpose Emissions for Crop Fertilization
In addition to energy efficiency measures, Wheatfield Gardens uses a CO₂ capture system to collect emissions from natural gas combustion. The captured CO₂ is repurposed to fertilize crops, a practice that offsets the need for purchased CO₂ and reduces environmental impact.
“We’ve never purchased CO₂. We capture it from our natural gas combustion to fertilize our crops,” Elfstrum explained.
While the system represents a significant investment, the practice supports broader sustainability objectives, including CO₂ sequestration and reuse.
GLASE Benchmarking Program Supports Data-Driven Decision-Making
Customized Reports Help Growers Identify Performance Improvements
Through GLASE, growers like Wheatfield Gardens receive detailed evaluations of greenhouse performance, including crop-level energy use, system inefficiencies, and potential technology upgrades. The benchmarking reports are designed to support informed decision-making and are tailored to help growers reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
GLASE continues to offer benchmarking support to commercial greenhouse operators across New York State, providing tools and insights that align with both economic and sustainability goals.
Discover the entire report here.
