Energy-Independent Cultivation and Dispensary Facility

Somerset, Massachusetts
cannabis cultivation

The facility received a record $1 Million in energy efficiency incentives from National Grid, a first for the cannabis industry.

Located in Somerset, Massachusetts, this indoor farm spans over 67,000 square feet and is the only energy-independent cannabis cultivation and dispensary facility in the U.S. Achieving such a designation requires an all-of-the-above strategic approach to energy reduction—and no better place to start than with the largest energy consuming systems—lighting and HVAC.

Efficiency Starts with Design

urban-gro began working with the client during the facility's design phase. By working with urban-gro's professional design services team and engaging with strategic vendor partners, the facility was able to meet Massachusetts' strict energy per square foot requirements as well as implement water reduction strategies and wastewater management.

Outcomes

Through a highly collaborative design and procurement process, the facility achieved peak operational efficiency through:

  • Sustainable irrigation
  • Optimized fertigation and watering
  • High-efficiency LED lighting

As a result, the client was able to reduce their overall energy consumption by 40%. Combined with the company's on-site solar grid, the remaining emissions were offset by nearly 60%.

“The whole design of the facility changed just by incorporating LED lights at the outset. We got offered a deal through urban-gro that made it a really attractive deal for us. We're so glad we went that route—they've been working out great for us.”
Edward Dow, CEO

CEO Edward Dow commented on the results of the collaborative approach to sustainability, "The lack of unified sustainability practices and standards within the cannabis industry has created pain points that we all need to seriously consider. By leveraging today's LED technology, we were able to downsize our HVAC systems and invest the resulting savings in technologies that will allow us to achieve our long-term sustainability and facility design goals."

Paired with other measures, the decision to use an LED lighting system allowed the client to earn more than $1 Million in utility rebates from the National Grid, a record rebate amount awarded to a cannabis company. Furthermore, the LED strategy reduced the building heat load which allowed the team to apply the utility rebates toward a more efficient and right-sized HVAC system.

This success in managing energy costs and consumption is a testament to the advantage that expert design, engineering, and equipment integration can have on facility operations. By focusing on the efficient interaction between plants, people, and products, this grower is effectively able to operate a consistently, high-performing cultivation facility.

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