Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

Established by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of offering trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to clients throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a family service, were devoted not only to our customers however to being great stewards of the Earth and community,” said Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths great, fantastic grandson. That dedication to sustainability has triggered Baumans to progressively buy energy performance for more than a years– cutting yearly natural gas use by an estimated 55,000 therms and providing yearly energy expense savings of around $42,200.
In 2015, when it was time to install a new greenhouse, Baumans reached out to greenhouse vendor OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient design made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a big space with 2 bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature in the greenhouse remains quite constant,” said Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, providing excellent light quality for plant growth. Roofing vents in each bay permit natural ventilation. The gable style has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal curtain, which Baumans plans to install in the future.
Since of twin-wall technology, the greenhouse is anticipated to conserve an estimated $10,700 in annual natural gas expenses compared to single-wall construction. Baumans received an Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentive of $2,400 to help balance out the added expense.
Baumans has gotten more than $80,000 in Energy Trust incentives. “We benefit from Energy Trusts offerings every chance we get. Rest guaranteed, well be doing more tasks in the future,” stated Bauman.
Could your nursery gain from energy-efficiency upgrades? Check out the latest no- and low-cost ideas and resources to make your organization run much better, go to www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.