Carbon Footprint at the Penticton Community Carbon-Negative Greenhouse
We are dedicated to measuring and minimizing our carbon footprint across the entire value chain of vegetable and fruit production. Reducing our environmental impact requires a holistic approach, covering everything from greenhouse design and equipment selection to waste-heat recovery, sustainable cultivation, reusable packaging, and efficient distribution—including volunteer carpooling programs to further cut emissions.
Our goal is twofold:
To empower our community to make informed and sustainable food choices.
To align our greenhouse operations with the global climate goals set by the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree target.
Measuring the Carbon Footprint of Our Produce Across the Value Chain
We assess the carbon footprint of our produce by evaluating its entire lifecycle—from seed to consumption and food waste; and from greenhouse manufacture to disposal. This includes every stage, from nutrient sourcing, planting, and cultivation to harvesting, packaging, transportation, storage, and consumption.
Our greenhouse is designed to minimize emissions through highly energy-efficient operations, integrating:
Passive solar heating and insulation for natural temperature regulation.
A Biomass Carbonizer & Heat Recovery System for supplemental renewable heating, while converting organic waste into biochar.
A Hydronic Energy Storage System (HESS) to store and distribute heat and cooling, reducing reliance on external energy sources.
Food waste recovery systems for biogenic CO₂ enrichment, soil amendment production, and hydroponic nutrient production within the greenhouse.
These innovations, combined with BC Hydro’s renewable, low-carbon electricity, allow us to achieve full-lifecycle carbon negativity—a rare accomplishment in both conventional farming and greenhouse operations.
We conduct our carbon footprint calculations in partnership with independent sustainability organizations to ensure accuracy, transparency, and alignment with international standards. Our goal is to provide clear, data-driven insights to our members, consumers, and stakeholders—helping them understand the true environmental impact of food production and make informed choices.
Method of Measuring Carbon Footprint
We collect primary data from our greenhouse operations whenever possible. When direct data is unavailable—such as during planning stages—we use scientific estimates and industry-recognized secondary data sources.
Our carbon footprint model is specifically designed for our passive solar, hydroponic, and soil-based growing methods, making it uniquely suited for measuring the environmental impact of high-efficiency, climate-resilient agriculture.
To ensure accuracy and transparency, we update our calculations every two years as part of our broader climate strategy, continuously working to reduce agricultural emissions while maximizing productivity.
About the Calculations
Carbon footprint results are calculated per crop type and production method, measured in kg CO₂e per kg of harvested produce. Additionally, emissions are broken down by each stage of the growing and distribution process, making it easy to identify key areas for further reduction.
We follow PAS 2050, the globally recognized standard for measuring product carbon footprints.
Lifecycle Stages Included in Our Carbon Footprint Calculations
The following stages are measured in our carbon footprint assessments:
Seed sourcing and propagation – Includes emissions from seed production and storage.
Growing and cultivation – Includes energy inputs, water use, and fertilization.
Hydroponic nutrient production – Measures emissions from nutrient sourcing and production.
On-site energy use – Evaluates passive solar heating, LED lighting, and supplemental hydroelectric energy sources.
Packaging and storage – Considers packaging materials and refrigeration, if applicable.
Transportation and distribution – Includes emissions from volunteer transportation and community produce pickups.
Consumer use – Evaluates energy used in food preparation and the portion of food waste that is returned to the greenhouse.
Unlike conventional agriculture, our passive solar greenhouse eliminates fossil-fuel heating and uses significantly less water, fertilizers, and pesticides, making it a model for low-emission food production.
Industry Need for Traceability and Transparency
Reducing food production emissions requires collaboration and transparency across the industry. While plant-based foods have significantly lower carbon footprints than animal agriculture, ensuring that consumers can make truly sustainable choices depends on clear and honest impact reporting.
Our analysis highlights the most significant emissions contributors in vegetable and fruit production, including:
Fertilizer production and use
Energy used in lighting and automation
Water use and pumping systems
Transportation and distribution logistics
By localizing food production, minimizing waste, and optimizing energy use, our greenhouse significantly reduces the hidden emissions of industrial-scale agriculture while delivering fresh, nutritious, and sustainable produce to the community.
We also support waste wood biomass recovery, insect-based food waste conversion, and nutrient recycling, further closing the carbon loop and reducing dependence on high-emission fertilizers.
For further information, please contact:
William Todd Hudson
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Penticton Community Carbon-Negative Greenhouse
william@carbonneg.org