Getting Started
GETTING STARTED
Here are some steps your team can take to implement sustainable practices:
1. Conduct an Audit:
- Resource Consumption: Track water usage for irrigation, cleaning, and nutrient solutions. Monitor electricity use for lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and equipment.
- Waste Generation: Quantify and categorize waste streams, including plant trimmings, packaging materials, and used nutrients.
- Supply Chain: Evaluate the environmental impact of suppliers' practices, focusing on packaging materials and energy usage in production.
- Look for areas where significant reductions can be made.
2. Prioritize and Set Goals:
- Based on the assessment, identify areas with the biggest environmental impact.
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for reducing water & energy consumption and minimizing waste generation.
3. Implement Operational Changes/ Sustainable Growing Practices:
- Energy and Water Conservation:
- Reduce energy use:
- Turn off lights and equipment when not in use.
- Conduct regular maintenance of equipment for optimal efficiency.
- Consider using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.
- Utilize natural light whenever possible with greenhouses or skylights.
- Upgrade to LED grow lights with high efficiency and lower heat output.
- Invest in energy-efficient HVAC systems and regularly maintain them for optimal performance.
- Generate clean electricity with an installation of solar panels.
- Implement water-saving measures:
- Evaluate your cleaning protocols for areas to reduce use.
- Determine where there are opportunities to reuse water.
- Implement water-efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation or subsurface irrigation.
- Capture rainwater for irrigation or other non-critical uses.
- Explore options for reusing treated wastewater (following regulations).
- Waste Reduction and Management:
- Reduce use of disposable labware by switching to reusable options where possible.
- Standardize procedures to minimize unnecessary materials usage.
- Segregate waste streams for proper recycling and disposal.
- Explore options for composting organic waste.
- Partner with vendors who offer sustainable packaging or take-back programs.
- Sustainable Procurement:
- Consolidate as much of your purchasing as possible with one supplier
- Purchase chemicals and consumables in bulk whenever feasible to reduce packaging waste.
- Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
- Look for suppliers with sustainable practices in their manufacturing or production.
- Consider the environmental impact during equipment purchases, prioritizing energy-efficient models.
4. Employee Engagement and Education:
- Educate staff about the importance of sustainability and the facility’s goals.
- Encourage employee participation in suggesting and implementing sustainable practices.
- Recognize and reward employee contributions to sustainability efforts.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement:
- Regularly track progress towards sustainability goals.
- Review and update practices as needed to ensure continued improvement.
- Consider benchmarking against other sustainable companies in your field to identify new best practices.
Remember, implementing sustainable practices is a journey, not a destination. By starting small, setting clear goals, and involving staff, your team can make significant progress towards a more sustainable future.
