Eco-Friendly Design
All of the components needed to grow fresh food, locally, ANYWHERE,
are combined in our design, taking into consideration 6 major factors:
are combined in our design, taking into consideration 6 major factors:
Lightweight: The FRP panel design is strong, durable and lightweight. The modular panels can be shipped individually, in empty cargo space on passenger flights or in containers already on route to the community. Our design reduces the costs and the carbon footprint of shipping as much as possible. Assembly by hand, on site, without the use of heavy equipment, drastically reduces the cost of construction, while the lightness of the panels leads to quick and efficient assembly.
Low Power Consumption: Using energy efficient components, individually powered lighting and vertical surface growing wall systems means we can reduce the carbon footprint from energy production on site by only powering the processes required during the growing cycle. Low power consumption and low wattage lighting allows for "Off-Grid" green energy operation or a "Hybrid" version to reduce the strain on existing community infrastructure.
Fewer Moving Parts: Fewer moving parts means less repairs, less wear and tear, fewer breakdowns, longer operating life and lower cost of operation in remote regions. Our design and planning incorporates, redundant system design and a "no single point of failure" approach.
Natural Approach: Anaerobic biodigestion is the natural way to convert our waste organics and food back into fertilizer to grow more plants AND generate safe, clean biogas as a free supplemental heat source inside the units. Increasing CO2 levels for optimum plant growth. Unlike composting there is no methane, nitrogen or mineral loss to the atmosphere with biodigestion. Biodigestion completes the eco-friendly triangle - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Lower Water Consumption: The need to conserve water has been considered in every step of our process. Our Aeroponic-hybrid, Vertical growing systems reduce water needs by up to 98% over traditional soil based farming. Our exclusive ePAR and PSC spectrum in our Better Grow Lights aid in plant water retention. The airtight building design eliminates water and nutrient evaporation into the atmosphere.
Exterior Insulation: A blanket of ECO-HEATLOK 200 closed cell foam insulation where available is used to cover the entire structure providing up to an R-50+ insulation factor. This soy and recycled plastics based eco-friendly formula is used to provide a zero mold, zero maintenance, watertight, cold resistant shield over the entire structure. The final soil and vegetation covering allows for evaporative cooling during the hot months and thermal insulation when cold.
