Sustainable Energy: Thermal Banking Greenhouse Design

Steven Schwen of Earthen Path Organic Farm (Lake City, Minnesota) has built an innovative greenhouse that allows him to extend his growing season while reducing energy costs. The Farmer-Rancher Grants program from SARE provided critical assistance for Schwen in the beginning phases of his project.

This is something I have always wanted to do. Heat pumps that pump energy into the ground in the summer when it is too hot, then they draw heat out of the ground during the winter. This is very very efficient.

We also need houses that are passive solar collectors.

There were some homes like this in Nottinghamshire that are south facing and partly built into a hillside, hobbit style. They also overlook a pond which has a cooling effect.

Also check out the Rocky Mountain Institute. Built into a hillside and needing minimal heating in the winter.

Also see

Soft Energy Paths

Tags: agriculuture, energy, horticulture, renewable energy, soft energy, soft energy paths, sustainable energy