ProjectTitleTheuseofdynamicclimatecontrolsystemsfortheproductionofhighvalueornamentalcropsintheUK–Atechnicalassessment.ProjectNumber….docVIP

Project Title: The use of dynamic climate control systems for the production of high value ornamental crops in the UK – A technical assessment. Project Number: PC 172 Project Leader: C.W.Plackett, FEC Services Ltd Report: Final Report, March 2001. Previous Reports: None Key workers: Dr I Clarke, HRI Efford M Holmes, Double H Nurseries Ltd P J Hicks, P A Moerman Ltd Location of Project: Farm Energy Centre HRI Efford Various locations in Holland Denmark Project Co-ordinator: G Shorland Double H Nurseries Gore Rd, New Milton, Hants. BH25 7NG. Date Project Commenced: 15 February 2001 Date Project Completed: 31 March 2001 Key Words: Energy efficiency, energy savings, climate control systems, ornamental crop production, temperature integration. Table of Contents Practical Section for Growers 1 1 Commercial benefits of the project 1 2 Background 1 3 Key Findings 2 4 Action Points for Growers 3 5 Anticipated Practical and Financial Benefits 3 Science Section. 4 1 Background Introduction 4 2 Research Method 5 3 Discussion – Objectives v Findings 5 4 Conclusions 12 5 Recommendations for Future Work 13 References 15 Appendix One – Visit Itinerary 16 Practical Section for Growers Commercial benefits of the project This project has identified and evaluated the potential benefits of applying dynamic environmental control strategies to the production of ornamental crops in protected facilities. Benefits relate to increases in energy efficiency and the potential improved management of the internal greenhouse environment. Background Recent increases in energy costs and the introduction of the Climate Change Levy (CCL) have brought the need to improve energy efficiency into sharp focus. With energy costs now accounting for up to 40% of the variable costs of production, growers of protected crops are now seeking practical methods of improving energy performance. Over the next 10 years the protected horticultural industry in the UK will be under the spotlight to d