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.

    Help us to reduce our energy use!

    Check out the energy use signs at each greenhouse and growth chamber. Faculty, staff and students, we encourage you to join our efforts!

    Sign on a greenhouse detailing the energy consumption and how to reduce it

    Calculating The Energy Use

    Energy consumption varies for each greenhouse and growth chamber, depending on size, construction, controls, lighting and more. It also depends on how each facility is used: different crops and project goals naturally require different conditions.

    We measured the energy consumption of each plant growth chambers over a 24 hour period, while set to average conditions: the lights were set to the highest setting for 14 hours and off for the remaining time. The daytime temperature was set to 75°F, and to 65°F at night. 

    To estimate the energy consumption and cost for each greenhouse house as accurately as possible, we made the following assumptions:

    Energy consumption data for heating are estimates based on measured heating requirements of several Cornell AES greenhouses over four years, and assume an average indoor temperature of 70°F. Lighting energy consumption data assume the installed growth lights provide a 14 hour photoperiod throughout the year, but are turned off during periods of high sunlight intensity, resulting in an annual average of 11 hours actual operation per day.

    Carbon dioxide emission data are specific to Cornell’s mix of energy sources, dominated by the central combined heat and power plant. The central plant produces both electricity and steam for heating, which are distributed across the Ithaca campus, including the Cornell AES greenhouses. The most recent emissions figures are 91 pounds of CO2 per 1,000 pounds of steam delivered, and 0.90 pounds of CO2 per kWh of electricity delivered. Because of Cornell's commitment to sustainability and the progress made in producing and obtaining lower-emission energy, these figures are significantly lower than New York State or national averages.

    You Can Make a Difference!

    Researchers and Educators, we need your help to cut cost and carbon emission:

    • Let Cornell AES staff know immediately when you no longer need a space, even temporarily. While growth chambers can usually just be turned off, for greenhouse spaces staff will assess whether it makes sense to change environmental control settings, to keep lights off, or to adjust heating and cooling cycles. Our experienced staff will make sure to re-adjust settings to meet the needs of your work whenever needed. Even vacating one bench can result in energy savings if staff are made aware so that growth lights can be disabled. 
    • Work with Cornell AES staff to fine-tune temperature and lighting set points. We can suggest environmental parameters appropriate to your plant species and project goals. 
    • Consolidate and share space whenever possible. In an effort to manage resources efficiently, we strive to use facilities to their full capacity, while taking all needs and limitations of your research into full account. Please discuss with us the possibility of consolidating smaller plantings to efficiently fill greenhouse spaces.

    Greenhouse and growth chamber contact information