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What is the Integrated Greenhouse project?
The Integrated Greenhouse project is designed to test whether the environmental impact of greenhouse horticulture can be significantly reduced. It involves construction of an innovative new glasshouse and associated buildings, integrated via a renewable energy heating system - hence the name.
Following construction, the Integrated Greenhouse complex will function as a demonstration site for other organisations and individuals who would like to reduce the eco-footprint of their greenhouses and will lead the way in terms of demonstrating what is possible.
The project has two phases, the first of which was completed in 2006.
- Phase 1 involved construction of the Human Impact Building, now used for visitor education activities. This was built using sustainably sourced materials and has a passive ventilation system and small solar panel (photovoltaic) array.
- Phase 2 will involve construction of the new glasshouse, offices, education rooms, animal husbandry facilities and the associated renewable energy heating system, using the new glasshouse as a solar collector in conjunction with a Vertical Soil Heat Exchanger (VSHE). Collectively, this phase is known as the Green Greenhouse and will be integrated with the Human Impact Building. Integration is based upon all structures, including the Human Impact Building, being heated via the glasshouse/VSHE system.
The Human Impact Building demonstrates building techniques for both working and living environments, while the methods used in construction of the Green Greenhouse will be specifically relevant to commercial and large scale horticulture. Both buildings and associated spaces are being built to high insulation standards, using sustainable materials and with energy supplied entirely from renewable sources.
The project is being carried out in conjunction with several key partners, drawing funds from the EC LIFE financial instrument and Millenium Commission and expertise from Plant Research International at Wageningen University & Research Centre and Thames Valley Energy, among others.