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Bainbridge, OH, April 20, 2009 – Eagle Creek Growers has installed a 50KW Wind Turbine as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to self-sustainability and green operations. The wind turbine is a critical component to the company’s groundbreaking energy conservation program.
The turbine, funded by both Federal and State alternative energy grants from the USDA and the Ohio Department of Development, and installed by Genesis Energy Systems, is expected to reduce Eagle Creek’s annual energy consumption by 30% to 40%. Eagle Creek plans to apply for a second series of grants in order to install a second turbine, allowing for the company to generate approximately 80% of its energy on-site and off the public power grid.
“We were chosen by both the USDA and the Ohio Department of Development to lead the charge in alternative energy installation and maintenance, and we are honored to do so,” said John Bonner, General Manager for Eagle Creek Grower’s Wholesale Division. “Eagle Creek is committed to going green, and it is our goal to become 100% self-sustainable. Our energy conservation program is designed to save money, materials, and power, and we plan to pass those savings on to our wholesale and retail customers.”
The wind turbine is Eagle Creek’s newest addition to its ongoing self-sustainability program. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and has implemented multiple measures in an effort to do so. These measures can and will be seen throughout the company’s greenhouses, as well as its retail and wholesale locations.
Eagle Creek’s greenhouses will soon have high efficiency light fixtures equipped with motion sensors. These sensors illuminate only when people enter, thereby reducing power consumption by one-third. Additionally, Eagle Creek has installed ebb and flow flooring designed to recycle all water used on site, reducing runoff and overall consumption. Moreover, all greenhouses have energy curtains designed to maintain appropriate temperatures overnight, thus reducing heat usage by 50%. Furthermore, the company has installed a bio-mass heating system that generates heat using recycled wood chips and horse manure, thus eliminating gas and oil consumption. Finally, Eagle Creek has a plastic pot recycling program for customers. Customers bring plastic pots back to the store, and Eagle Creek recycles them for the following season.
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