Thursday, February 20, 2025

Windset Farms Honored as Clean Energy Champion by BC Hydro

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In January 2025, Windset Farms was awarded the Clean Energy Champion from BC Hydro for not only their energy efficient practices, but also their sustainable agriculture efforts. Windset Farms was awarded the Clean Energy Champion award from BC Hydro for their award efforts towards sustainable agriculture. The company constructed two new greenhouses in Delta, British Columbia totaling two million square feet. These facilities are energy efficient which enable a constant supply of vegetables to major grocery chains all throughout Western Canada. 

With assistance from BC Hydro, Windset Farms transitioned its Delta greenhouse facilities from a standard distribution to a vigorous transmission system. This upgrade had previously been funded through $4.8 million of LED lighting incentives, moving away from high-pressure sodium lighting to LEDs. Today, the Delta greenhouses contain an illuminated production area of 19 hectares, the highest out of any greenhouse in North America. These changes have allowed the company to cut energy expenses by 55% in the greenhouses. 

Adrian Dix, the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions stated how electricity from British Columbia is clean and affordable, making local goods more competitive for both domestic and international trade perks.

Steven Newell, CEO of Windset Farms, stated that reliable electricity is key to achieving the company’s goal of increasing the supply of locally-grown food as it allows for guaranteed electricity which benefits both the firm and its retail partners year-round. 

In the future studies, WINDSET FARMS® and BC Hydro will be conducting studies to refine energy efficient lighting, battery use, and load displacement including renewable energy generation facilities on site. These efforts are intended to help the firm maintain its leadership position in sustainable farming.