Growing greener: KRISanthemums flower design

In numerous ways, Kris Bennett, owner of KRISanthemums flower design studio in Hermiston, is in the business of comfort– creating floral plans that make customers feel special, whether for a wedding event or streetscape. Its no surprise that shes taken actions to make her greenhouse a comfortable, growing environment for her employees, customers and plants. In the previous few years, Bennett has invested in a number of energy-efficiency upgrades that have tempered the greenhouse environment while cutting her gas expenses by an estimated $1,800 per year.
Bennet began out by setting up high-efficiency natural gas condensing system heaters and an infrared polyethylene greenhouse cover to keep her greenhouse warmer and secured from the Eastern Oregon climate. She worked directly with her greenhouse supplier to order equipment and get an Energy Trust rebate of $1,600.
Within a couple of years KRISanthemums chose to take energy-efficiency to the next level by replacing the single-wall corrugated end walls of the greenhouse with twin-wall polycarbonate end walls. “I spend a lot of time in there and what a tremendous difference its made,” said Bennett.
“And, of course, both the Energy Trust cash incentive and projected energy savings made the return on investment more beneficial. Bennett got an Energy Trust cash reward of $1,600 for the upgrade.
Could your nursery take advantage of energy-efficiency upgrades? Take a look at the most recent no- and affordable pointers and resources to make your business run better, go to www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

Its no surprise that shes taken steps to make her greenhouse a comfortable, growing environment for her customers, plants and workers. In the previous couple of years, Bennett has invested in numerous energy-efficiency upgrades that have tempered the greenhouse environment while cutting her natural gas costs by an estimated $1,800 per year.
Bennet began out by setting up high-efficiency natural gas condensing system heaters and an infrared polyethylene greenhouse cover to keep her greenhouse warmer and protected from the Eastern Oregon environment.