Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

Founded by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of providing trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to consumers throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a family business, were devoted not just to our clients but to being good stewards of the Earth and community,” said Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths fantastic, great grand son. That commitment to sustainability has triggered Baumans to gradually invest in energy performance for more than a years– cutting annual gas use by an approximated 55,000 therms and providing yearly energy cost savings of roughly $42,200.
In 2015, when it was time to set up a brand-new greenhouse, Baumans connected to greenhouse vendor OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient model made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a big space with 2 bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature level in the greenhouse remains quite continuous,” said Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, supplying outstanding light quality for plant development. Roofing vents in each bay permit natural ventilation. The gable design has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal drape, which Baumans plans to set up in the future.
The greenhouse is expected to save an estimated $10,700 in annual natural gas costs compared to single-wall construction due to the fact that of twin-wall innovation. Baumans received an Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentive of $2,400 to help balance out the added cost.
Baumans has received more than $80,000 in Energy Trust incentives. “We benefit from Energy Trusts offerings every opportunity we get. Feel confident, well be doing more jobs in the future,” stated Bauman.
Could your nursery gain from energy-efficiency upgrades? Examine out the current no- and low-priced ideas and resources to make your business run better, see www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.