# Chevrolet Helps Greenhouses Use Biomass for Heat

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/chevrolet-helps-greenhouses-use-biomass-for-heat/
- Published: 2012-02-11T02:47:12-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Chevrolet Helps Michigan Greenhouses Go Green with Biomass Heat

In a bold step toward clean energy, Chevrolet partnered with Michigan greenhouses
to replace propane heat with biomass fuel. This move not only cuts emissions but
also supports local economies and demonstrates how corporate investment can power
sustainable change.

The project is part of Chevrolet’s broader commitment to reduce carbon emissions
through community-based energy initiatives and [16 new projects](https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Oct/1007_carbon.html).
And in this case, the results are measurable and inspiring.

### A Growing Need for Change

[Heating is critical for greenhouse](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/harnessing-greenhouse-heat-a-guide-to-growing-your-own-food/)
operations—especially in cold Midwestern winters. For years, the Mycogen Seeds greenhouse
and the [Metrolina Greenhouses](https://web.archive.org/web/20170303063150/http://www.metrolinagreenhouses.com/_layouts/15/start.aspx)
in Decatur, Michigan, relied heavily on propane. The cost was high. The environmental
impact was even higher.

That’s where Chevrolet stepped in. Through its voluntary carbon-reduction initiative,
the automaker helped fund a switch to a biomass boiler system. This system now heats
over 36,000 square feet of [Metrolina Greenhouses](https://web.archive.org/web/20170303063150/http://www.metrolinagreenhouses.com/_layouts/15/start.aspx)
using locally sourced wood chips.

[virtual tree](https://www.facebook.com/chevrolet)

### Why Biomass?

[Biomass is a renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/comparing-the-sustainability-of-different-types-of-energy/)
source. It uses organic matter—like wood waste—to produce heat or electricity. Unlike
fossil fuels, it doesn’t release new carbon into the atmosphere. Instead, it emits
carbon that [trees had already absorbed from the air](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/healthy-trees-clean-air-for-a-sustainable-future/).

This makes biomass carbon-neutral over its lifecycle. And that’s a game changer 
for energy-hungry operations like greenhouses. Instead of importing propane, the
greenhouse now fuels its heating system with low-cost, locally available wood chips.

Moreover, the fuel supply is stable. The greenhouse [contracts with local suppliers who deliver](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/kansas-certifies-coned-solutions-to-deliver-energy-performance-contracting-services-to-public-entities/)
the chips regularly. This not only keeps costs predictable—it also [creates jobs in the region](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/by-adopting-stronger-renewable-energy-and-efficiency-targets-states-in-region-would-create-jobs-and-save-consumers-money/).

![A snow‑covered greenhouse in winter, glass roof frosted over—suggesting the warmth
inside.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/0B44A0AB-
5573-4760-B002-315824519C55.jpeg?resize=474%2C316&quality=52&ssl=1)

Chevrolet helped the Decatur greenhouse replace propane with biomass heat.

## Chevrolet Helps Greenhouses

This [project falls under Chevrolet’s Carbon](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/01/project-redd-the-first-verified-carbon-offset-project-in-the-drc/)
Reduction Initiative, launched in 2010. The goal? Prevent up to 8 million metric
tons of CO₂ emissions by investing in verified clean energy projects across the 
U.S. These include renewable energy projects like wind farms, landfill gas capture,
and—yes—biomass heating. They are all for small [businesses and institutions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/10/appraisal-institute-reports-200-bln-can-be-saved-by-homes-and-business-in-usa-annually/).

For the Decatur greenhouse, the partnership was vital. Chevrolet’s [commitment](https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Nov/1118_energy.html)
helped cover upfront costs, which might have otherwise made the project unaffordable.
The greenhouse team could then focus on operations instead of financing.

The results speak volumes: more than 1,400 metric tons of CO₂ will be prevented 
over the system’s life. That’s like taking 270 [cars off the road for a year](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/toyota-camry-hybrid-line-up-adds-se-limited-edition-for-2014-5-model-year/).

### Long-Term Savings and Sustainability

Biomass systems aren’t just greener—they’re smarter. The new [boiler](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/boiler-maintenance-help-5-tips-prevent-breakdowns/)
offers better control over heating output and maintenance schedules. And because
the wood chips are a byproduct of other industries, they come at a fraction of the
cost of propane.

For farmers, these savings are crucial. Heating represents a major operating expense,
and [volatile propane prices](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/05/energy-pricing-contracts-navigate-price-volatility/)
make it hard to plan. By contrast, biomass offers more predictable pricing—and long-
term cost control.

Additionally, the environmental benefits extend beyond [emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/fracking-brings-earthquakes-water-pollution-increased-greenhouse-gas-emissions-strike-number-three/).
By relying on a local fuel source, the greenhouse reduces transportation emissions
and supports regional forestry and waste management industries.

### A Model for Other Greenhouses

The success of this project offers a blueprint for others. Across the country, thousands
of [greenhouses still rely on fossil fuels](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/02/renewable-energy-production-how-solar-energy-beats-fossil-fuels-for-total-chemicals-and-greenhouse-gases/).
Many are interested in going [green but need](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/03/energy-star-green-a-program-in-need-of-an-upgrade/)
financial or technical help to get started.

Chevrolet’s model shows how corporate partners can step in. By sharing the cost 
burden and promoting sustainable practices, [companies can empower small businesses](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/6-effective-ways-to-build-a-sustainable-business/)
to make lasting changes.

And the impact goes beyond the greenhouse. The surrounding community benefits from
new economic activity, cleaner air, and [reduced fossil fuel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/hybrid-car-vehicle-11-reasons-purchase-2022/)
dependence.

### Conclusion

This Michigan greenhouse proves that climate solutions don’t have to be massive 
to be meaningful. With Chevrolet’s backing, a single farm [operation slashed its emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/05/methane-rule-is-a-positive-step-forward-but-fails-to-address-emissions-from-existing-operations/),
lowered its bills, and set an example for others. When companies and communities
work together, [green energy becomes](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/01/australia-power-renewables-become-superpower/)
more than a goal—it becomes reality.

**2011-11-23**

**Source: [Chevrolet](https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Nov/1123_metrolina.html)**–
[www.chevrolet.com](https://www.chevrolet.com/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
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