Energy Use & Savings in Greenhouses & Growth Chambers
The 146 greenhouses and 125 plant growth chambers managed by Cornell AES host 300-400 research projects year-round. Plant growth facilities provide the controlled environments needed for innovative research, but they can also be very energy intensive and expensive to light, heat and cool.
To sustain agriculture, in the face of a changing climate, we must continue to maintain a strong capacity to support agricultural and natural systems teaching and research. We also must focus on maximizing our efficient use of scarce resources.
Cornell AES is on a mission to cut energy consumption by improving facilities, upgrading lighting and environmental controls, developing a new generation of energy efficient growth chambers, and by working with researchers and educators to maintain optimal growing environments while eliminating unnecessary energy consumption.