THE CARBON IN CANNABIS

The growing potential of energy-efficient pot farms; Cannabis industry is a heavy energy user but has potential to go green with the right technology and incentives

Renee Lewis, January 1, 2016 (Al Jazeera)

“Cannabis production is among the most energy-intensive industries in the U.S. But some experts, growers, utility companies and local government agencies in states where marijuana is legal point the way toward reducing pot production's energy consumption and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions…One study found that Colorado growing operations in 2014 used energy equivalent to that consumed by 35,000 households…A key challenge is that most commercial growing operations in Colorado are located indoors…Indoor operations often use 1000-watt, high-intensity bulbs — which generate a lot of unwanted heat that then has to be removed from the indoor environment with air conditioners and ventilation systems…[E]nergy bills might represent 30 percent of the total cost of an operation…[But with legalization, a gradual shift is expected] to outdoor cultivation and sophisticated greenhouse designs…Some cautioned that greenhouses also consume energy through their use of ventilation systems and supplemental lighting [during the winter. But experts agree] new technologies are currently being developed — including brighter LED lighting — that can make the industry more energy efficient and climate friendly…” click here for more

click to enlarge

Tweet