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 customers throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a household business, were committed not only to our clients however to being good stewards of the Earth and neighborhood,” stated Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths great, great grand son. That dedication to sustainability has prompted Baumans to progressively buy energy performance for more than a decade– cutting annual gas usage by an estimated 55,000 therms and delivering annual energy expense savings of around $42,200.
In 2015, when it was time to set up a new greenhouse, Baumans connected to greenhouse vendor OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient model made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a large space with two bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature in the greenhouse remains rather continuous,” said Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, supplying exceptional light quality for plant growth. Roofing vents in each bay enable for natural ventilation. The gable design has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal drape, which Baumans strategies to install in the future.
The greenhouse is expected to conserve an approximated $10,700 in yearly natural gas costs compared to single-wall construction because of twin-wall technology. Baumans received an Energy Trust of Oregon money incentive of $2,400 to help balance out the added cost.
Baumans has gotten more than $80,000 in Energy Trust rewards. “We take benefit of Energy Trusts offerings every chance we get. Feel confident, well be doing more projects in the future,” said Bauman.
Could your nursery take advantage of energy-efficiency upgrades? Check out the most current no- and low-priced pointers and resources to make your service run better, visit www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.