Energy Tree provides consultation and design services for indoor agriculture projects specializing in hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Our designs integrate energy-efficient lighting with high-tech growing units for maximum yield using the least amount of resources. From local, urban farms to commercial-scale indoor growing spaces, Energy Tree can create designs to meet any need.
Hydroponics refers to the method of growing plants in a nutrient solution instead of soil. When combined with an artificial light source, this means plants can be grown indoors. In hydroponic systems, nutrients are applied through a circulating or streaming reservoir. Water within the system is reused and evaporation is minimized, meaning indoor hydroponic technologies can reduce water usage by about 90% in comparison to traditional agriculture.
Hydroponic technologies can be used to grow a wide variety of high-yield, resource-efficient crops through indoor facilities such as greenhouses and growing domes. The availability of natural light allows plants that require larger amounts of photosynthesis, such as fruiting and flowering plants, to flourish. In addition, growing indoors reduces factors that interfere with plant growth such as weather events and pests.
From small spaces to commercial greenhouses, hydroponic technologies are changing how we produce food. Hydroponic facilities allow fruits and vegetables to thrive in places where they would normally struggle or even be impossible to grow. They allow for plants to be grown in vertical rows or stacks, producing a much higher yield per square foot. These attributes make hydroponics relevant for challenging applications such as desert cultivation and even space exploration.
Another way to grow plants in an indoor, soilless environment is through aeroponics. Aeroponic systems feature a series of misters that spray nutrients directly onto plants' roots, which can result in even greater water efficiencies of 95-97% over traditional agriculture. In an aeroponic unit, the water is piped directly to the plant sites, enabling the water reservoir to be separate from the growing chamber and allowing for creative system design.
Aeroponic technologies can be integrated into a variety of indoor environments, from warehouses, schools, and office buildings, to shipping containers and even vehicles for transportation and mobility. The unique composition of aeroponic technologies streamline the ability to grow produce vertically, in stacks or rows, allowing for the maximum utilization of available space. These attributes make aeroponics ideal for small or remote applications.
Aeroponic facilities can be located indoors using artificial light or in environments such as greenhouses, using natural light. In addition to the water efficiency of aeroponic units, nutrient applications can be customized for specific plants, allowing for the cultivation of specialty crops. The versatility of these technologies, coupled with their water efficiency, make aeroponics useful in regions where food access or water resources are limited.
Aquaponic technologies are a combination of hydroponics and aquaculture (the cultivation of fish and other aquatic life). Fish excrete nitrogen, the nutrient plants need most. In aquaponic units, fish can supply nitrogen for the plants. However, this nitrogen is in the form of ammonia, which plants cannot absorb. Aquatic bacteria are added to convert the ammonia to nitrates, which plants can absorb. In return, plants purify the water by removing the nitrogen, making the water safe for the fish, creating a symbiotic environment.
Aquaponic systems require more space than hydroponic and aeroponic systems to accommodate the aquaculture elements of the system. However, the development of creative designs can allow these systems to be integrated into many environments. They can utilize both natural and artificial light, although they are more commonly designed for use with natural lighting applications.
In addition to providing plants with nutrients, fish in an aquaponics system can also be cultivated for human consumption. These systems, which can contribute to the cultivation of both fresh produce and local protein, are well-rounded technologies capable of increasing food diversity. Aquaponics can help provide greater food security in places with limited food access.
Food security exists when people have access to a variety of high-quality, nutritious foods, but many factors can interfere with this access, causing food insecurity on some level. One of the most effective ways to address food insecurity is to increase the availability of local food. Food grown close to home is more affordable, accessible, and often more nutritious. Indoor agriculture technologies are making it possible to bring fresh produce to places with limitations, such as urban and remote environments.
Indoor agriculture plays an important role in enabling places with limited natural resources to become food independent. Growing fruits and vegetables with over 90% less water than traditional agriculture allows places stricken with drought, even extreme drought, to grow produce. In addition, more produce can be grown per square foot, making these technologies excellent for high-density urban areas.
In addition to other benefits, locally-grown food increases access to the freshest, most nutritious food available. When foods are grown close to where they will be consumed, they can be harvested closer to their peak of freshness, maximizing their nutrient density. Also, when access is increased, consumption is increased, meaning more people will consume more of the fruits and vegetables they need for a healthy diet.
Energy Tree provides consultation, design, research, and planning services related to renewable energy, indoor and urban agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and other sustainable technologies. Every project is approached with a combination of knowledge, experience, and innovation. We use advanced technologies to integrate the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices into every one of our projects.
At Energy Tree, we create working 3D models of every project and analyze various scenarios in a virtual environment to develop our designs. These scaled models and simulations enable us to provide comprehensive consultation and design services, allowing us to accurately display projects before construction and efficiently make adjustments when necessary. Thinking ahead, we always look for effective ways to incorporate sustainability into our projects. We stay on top of the latest developments, constantly researching new ideas in order to provide our clients with the best opportunities available.
Office: (877) 944-7749
Email: contact@energytree.us
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