We are so thrilled to announce that Iron & Earth East and Borealis Consulting Inc. have broken ground at our 365 Greenhouse project!
We’re beyond excited to deliver a wide range of benefits to the local community and beyond through this cutting-edge endeavour.
Construction has commenced!
The greenhouse we’ve helped develop is located at the Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador (ASNL) headquarters and will operate year-round, generating the heat and light required to grow food during the winter months using photovoltaic modules and an electric heat pump. Under net metering, this greenhouse will provide revenue generation, produce and flowers for the Autism Society's social enterprise initiatives Good Roots gardening and the Pantry Cafe.
Another major positive outcome of this project is long term job creation. Daily operation of the greenhouse will be managed by ASNL, giving them the opportunity to employ 2-3 additional people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as is their mandate. This directly aligns with Iron & Earth’s mission of building strong community partnerships and growing the sustainable energy industry in Canada.
The team of trainees from the Solar Skills training initiative
Trainees from our Solar Skills training initiatives have already installed 3kW of solar modules on the adjacent building in 2017. These trainees will be getting additional hands-on experience as they will also install the 7kW of additional solar following completion of the greenhouse. Here is a shot of what it will look like when its finished!
Here is a shot of what it will look like when it's finished!
This project has been developed through truly impressive volunteer efforts of our passionate members and the dedicated team at the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Table of hard-working volunteers from Iron & Earth and Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
We’re still looking for funding partners for the garden bed materials and purchasing of the remaining solar panels. Please consider donating to this important project! If you’re interested in supporting this project and its many business opportunities, please reach out. We would love to chat.