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Source: Lemnis Lighting
Koppert Cress, Europe’s largest micro vegetable nursery, placed another order today to use LED lighting in its greenhouse complex. This makes Koppert Cress the most energy-conserving greenhouse complex in the world. The nursery will be opening its doors to the general public during Kom in de Kas 2011.
A lot of work is currently being done to design the eight metre high greenhouse complex for the 21st century. A huge saving is being realised due to an optimum use of the latest techniques in the field of heat and cold pumps, LED lighting and solar collectors, giving Monster the most energy-conserving greenhouse complex in the world. The surplus energy is supplied to the nearby residential area. After a successful adoption of LED lighting in the ‘semi-closed’ greenhouse complex, Koppert Cress decided to further expand its greenhouses with LED lamps from Lemnis Lighting.
Faster development of crops, less light pollution for the environment
Long-term tests have indicated that LED lighting has a positive influence on the development of plants: the production of the various herbs goes faster; the crop is tastier and remains more compact. By using layered cultivation, optimum use is made of the space, and the production of micro vegetables can be increased on the same floor area. In addition, the lighting is much less damaging to the environment: instead of a bright yellow glow, these lamps provide a soft purple glow that does not hinder the environment.
Sustainable revolution
Rob Baan, managing director of Koppert Cress: ‘The horticulture sector is currently focusing on innovative projects that combine ecology and economy. In order to reduce energy use, we did not use (unwanted) heat providing SON T lighting. A LED lighting setup was created in cooperation with Lemnis Lighting. This releases much less heat that can also be directed better. The heat is already transported and reused in the armatures. Moreover, the LED lamps can be switched on and off faster. The result on our crops is so revolutionary that we again opted for Lemnis Oreon LED lighting for our expansion, giving our leading role in the world a new impulse’.
Jeroen van Velzen of Lemnis Lighting: ‘After having examined the optimum crop LED lighting ratio in cooperation with PB Techniek for years, we have now found the right combination. Koppert Cress is one of the worldwide trendsetters in the field of sustainable innovation. We have found a sustainable solution for the excessive and energy-inefficient use of artificial lighting in the Netherlands. This enables us to contribute to this important sector in the Netherlands and to our sustainable forerunner role in the world.’
Kom in de Kas 2011 at Koppert Cress
Dutch greenhouse farming is a world player and an innovative, dynamic sector that is of major importance to Dutch society. The 34th edition of Kom in de Kas (come into the greenhouse), the largest public event of the Dutch greenhouse farming sector, will take place on 2 and 3 April. Hundreds of hospitable vegetable, flower and plant cultivators will be opening the doors to their greenhouse to the general public this weekend. Due to its major wave of innovation, the national opening of Kom in de Kas 2011 will take place at Koppert Cress in Monster on Friday 1 April. During the weekend, Koppert Cress will open its doors to the general public together with 12 other companies at De Poel in Monster. Over 25,000 visitors are expected.