GREENHOUSE AGRICULTURE: CASE STUDY
Vital, lively and green: Gen V's commitment to innovative, sustainable greenhouse agriculture.
Gen V is northeastern North America’s largest greenhouse producer of leafy greens. Since 1987, the family-owned company has produced Boston hydroponic lettuces, cucumbers, mini cucumbers, tomatoes and organic peppers.
The company now employs 450 people and proudly represents the region across North America. Gen V is the desire of a generation to grow vegetables with respect for people and the environment. It’s a movement that sees green, living, life, in the future.
Their ambition is to grow better, eat with conscience, consume according to our values, and create a future that resembles us.
Sustainable Community member information
- Name: Gen V
- Sector: Agriculture
- Sub-sector : Greenhouse farming
- Organization type : Business / SME
- Location: Ste-Clothide, Portneuf, Ham-Nord, Saint-Jérôme, QC, Canada
Gen V’s climate challenge
Gen V wanted to address a number of climate challenges prior to its carbon commitment with Will Solutions. Here are a few of them:
- Measuring water discharges to implement water efficiency measures
Improving organic production waste management - Study the possibility of replacing expanded polystyrene culture panels with more durable expanded polypropylene panels. Production tests are underway.
- Divert agricultural plastics from landfill for recycling
- Add value to our downgraded products and find a market for them
- Implement recycling and composting in foreign workers’ homes
How to take part and contribute to decarbonization?
Carbon reduction and monetization
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Carbon neutrality and net zero
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Green projects to decarbonize Gen V
2016
Sustainable Community membership
76
listed buildings and infrastructures
2
Types of GHG reduction projects developed
7
years of commitment
Gen V is leading ambitious initiatives to decarbonize its farming practices, integrating technologies and processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the environmental impact of its greenhouse production. For several years now, Gen V has been transforming its energy model by focusing on biomass and other sustainable solutions, contributing to greener, more eco-responsible agriculture. Complementing these efforts, Gen V also participates in several resource recovery projects, maximizing its commitment to the circular economy and optimal management of agricultural waste.
#1 Energy conversion of greenhouse heating system from propane to biomass (for 76 greenhouses since 2011)
Gen V undertook a major energy conversion project in 2011, replacing propane with biomass to heat its 76 greenhouses. This change has significantly reduced the company’s dependence on fossil fuels, while also reducing its carbon footprint. Biomass, derived from wood residues, offers a more sustainable and ecological alternative to propane. By opting for this solution, Gen-V not only reduces its greenhouse gas emissions, but also optimizes its energy costs.
Illustration of agricultural greenhouses (royalty-free image)
Image illustrating the valorization of residual materials as a source of energy (royalty-free image).
#2 Diversion of biomass residues from landfill (since 2012)
To keep biomass out of landfills, Gen V is using it as an energy source for heating. Instead of disposing of biomass residues, these greenhouses valorize them by burning them to generate heat, thus reducing their dependence on fossil fuels such as propane. This process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also contributes to more sustainable resource management. By transforming waste into energy, these greenhouses optimize their environmental impact while ensuring eco-responsible agricultural production.
Other Gen V green initiatives (outside sustainable community)
Beyond projects eligible for the Sustainable Community, Gen V is holistically committed to innovative ecological projects to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the circular economy. Here’s a look at some of their recent resource recovery initiatives:
- Recycling of agricultural plastics: Valorization and detour of agricultural plastics from landfill.
- Urban wood reuse: Use of 198 tonnes of urban wood from Montreal to heat greenhouses (July 2023).
- Decommissioned local fruit and vegetables: In partnership with Les Complices Alimentaires, transformation into frozen products accessible via points of sale at voluntary prices, with support for professional reintegration.
- Biomass heating with deforested wood: Collaboration with the Consortium for the Valorization of Urban Wood (CVBU) to recover 1,755 tonnes of wood as an energy source.
- Reuse of surplus potting soil: 2330 yards of obsolete potting soil reused with Sol Isabelle (October 2023).
- Passive composting: Launch of composting of organic residues in 2024.
- Waste-derived fuel (RDF) recovery: In partnership with E360S, use of RDF for biomass heating in 2024.
One of Les Complices Alimentaires food-recycling fridges, preventing the waste of peppers, lettuces and other agricultural produce produced by Gen V.
Photograph of the municipality of Montreal’s urban wood, collected and recycled by Gen V, in 2023.
Results of the decarbonization strategy
Quantitative results
tons of Co2e reduced (since 2010)
tonnes of Co2e reduced annually (2018 figures)
CAD paid in one year to the member (2023 figures)
Qualitative results
Offering eco-responsible products
Gen V is committed to offering products grown in harmony with the environment. Thanks to sustainable farming practices and responsible resource management, every vegetable grown in the greenhouse bears the imprint of an eco-responsible production model. This commitment is reflected in every lettuce leaf and bell pepper, offering consumers quality food that respects the planet.
Reducing emissions across all scopes (1, 2 and 3)
Reducing emissions is at the heart of Gen V’s strategy, with efforts deployed across all its direct and indirect operations. From the energy consumed in its greenhouses to optimizing its ecological partnerships, Gen V minimizes its carbon impact on scopes 1, 2 and 3, thus actively contributing to the fight against climate change.
Becoming an industry opinion leader
By making bold decisions for sustainable agriculture, Gen V has positioned itself as a role model and spokesperson for best practices in its sector. Its leadership inspires others to follow the path of sustainability, making Gen V a benchmark for eco-responsible agriculture and green innovation.
The Eye of WILL: decarbonization lessons for the agricultural sector
Here are some key tips for businesses in the agricultural sector to help reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.
1. Emissions monitoring and reporting: Accurately track greenhouse gas emissions from your greenhouse operations and report them transparently. Use this data to identify areas for improvement. Will can help you measure your carbon footprint!
2. Transition to renewable energy sources: Invest in clean energy sources such as biomass, hydroelectric, solar, wind or geothermal to power your greenhouses. Using renewable energy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Improve energy efficiency: Adopt cutting-edge technologies to optimize energy management in your greenhouses, such as automation, temperature control, and the use of energy-efficient LEDs for lighting. Set up cogeneration systems to simultaneously produce heat and electricity from biomass. Opt for heating and cooling systems that minimize energy losses, such as heat pumps. Use high-quality insulation materials to reduce heat loss.
4. Sustainable water management: Recycle and reuse water efficiently to minimize freshwater consumption. Adopt precision irrigation technologies to reduce water wastage.
5. Select climate-resilient crops: Choose crops that are adapted to local conditions and require less energy, water and resources to grow. Explore disease- and pest-resistant varieties to minimize pesticide use.
6. Use biomaterials and recyclable plastics: Look for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, such as bio-based or recyclable plastics. Use greenhouse materials that are sustainable and have a low carbon footprint.
7. Training and awareness: Train your staff in sustainable agricultural practices and energy management. Raise awareness among your employees, customers and stakeholders of the importance of decarbonization in the greenhouse farming sector.
By following this advice, greenhouse businesses can reduce their carbon footprint while improving their profitability and long-term sustainability.