The Yukon Research Centre and Yukon College School of Access students designed and built a state of the art 14’ x 24’ experimental greenhouse on college grounds.
The structure is specifically designed to overcome the challenges faced by northern growers.
The innovative aspects of this project include: the use of Stirling engine technology for heat and power; quad-pane polycarbonate glazing for reduced heat loss; LED grow lights for efficiency and longevity; and automated night shutters utilizing vacuum insulated panels (VIP) for thermal efficiency. This greenhouse also uses an assortment of established greenhouse tricks to optimize heat management, efficiency and plant growth: large volume of thermal mass, in-bed heating loops, and a heat transfer system to bring hot air from the ceiling to heat the roots of the plants. It can run off-grid year round.
All of the greenhouse is on automated controllers for consistency and efficiency. These can be turned on and off independently to determine the effectiveness of each.
This project enabled School of Access students learn construction techniques and greenhouse growing systems as part of a skills for employment program.
The greenhouse gives local researchers opportunities to evaluate new technologies in lighting, heating, and light and moisture management. It is also used for northern plants and growth studies.
- Technology Innovation Officer, Yukon Research Centre
- Project Officer, Treharne Drury, Cold Climate Innovation, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College
- Program Coordinator, Simone Rudge, Yukon College