MSU Web Site Offers Energy-Saving Tips for Michigan Greenhouse Growers
3/12/08
Contact: Sara Long
517-432-1555, ext. 170
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Escalating energy costs have profit-strapped greenhouse growers searching for innovative strategies to reduce this monthly expense. Now, thanks to a new online resource developed by horticulture researchers at Michigan State University (MSU), growers have access to a variety of useful information all in one convenient location.
The Greenhouse Energy Cost Reduction Strategies Web site, http://hrt.msu.edu/energy/notebook.htm, was developed by MSU professor of horticulture Erik Runkle and horticulture graduate student Matthew Blanchard to help improve the profitability and sustainability of the state’s greenhouse industry.
Runkle notes that since 2004, energy costs have escalated by 30 to 50 percent. Increased energy costs reduced the profitability of Michigan’s greenhouse industry by more than $20 million in 2005.
“Energy is usually one of the greenhouse industry’s top two highest priorities because, on average, it accounts for between 8 and 12 percent of a producer’s total expenses,” Runkle said. “Because there is not one single best way to reduce energy costs that’s right for everyone, growers have several options to choose from.”
The site includes a compilation of studies on how to reduce energy costs conducted by researchers from MSU and other universities. Though the site is targeted at Michigan growers, the information is applicable to many other regions of the northern United States with similar climate patterns.
Visitors to the Web site can locate timely information on a variety of topics, such as greenhouse lighting, temperature and scheduling, energy-saving technologies, alternative fuels, and energy grant and loan programs.
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