2’, stacking the four beds vertically would give the same amount of growing area and the same tank can
be used. Some minor alterations have to be made on the bed’s reinforcements because they will have
little support on the bottom.
5.1.4 Insulation
The greenhouse has not yet been built and therefore the insulation of the greenhouse has not yet been
finalized. We recommend the use of fiberglass because of its high cost-effectiveness and its efficiency.
Although fiberglass is not the most environmentally friendly possibility research into the heat retention
properties show that fiberglass is the most viable and commercially used material for insulation. We also
recommend further research on ground insulation. As poor ground insulation will result in the rapid loss
of heat due to the frozen ground. The sponsors are strongly leaning to our recommendation Extruded
Polystyrene Foam, also known as blue or pink board one of the best ground insulation materials
available on the market.
5.1.5 Plants.................................................................................................................................
At this point in time there is also no final decision as to what type of plants will be grown. As an IQP
group we cannot ignore the social implications that arise as a result of the greenhouse. We are
recommending that a food feasibility study be conducted in the community wherein the greenhouse will
be built. The purpose of this will be to obtain an idea of the foods that are most consumed in the
community. This information would then be used to make an informed decision of the plants to
cultivate during each growing season thus increasing the profitability of the greenhouse as a co-op run
business.
5.1.6 Business Development
The sponsor’s long term goal for the greenhouse is to run it as a business. During the initial stages of the
project some preliminary research was done into the development and operation of cooperatives. There
is still much more research that can be done both in terms of marketing strategies and the development
of a successful business model. We are hereby recommending further research in the business aspect of
this aquaponic greenhouse.
5.1.7 Renewable Energy Sources
Sustainable and renewable energy sources are still of particular interest to the aquaponic greenhouse
project. Solar energy was strongly considered as a power source for the greenhouse however this idea
was quickly abandoned as the startup cost greatly exceeded the budget available. Our research indicates
that in the long term solar energy will prove to be more cost effective than other commercially available
forms of energy. We strongly recommend to further investigate the integration of a solar energy system
with the aquaponic system as a viable renewable energy source that is in line with the sponsor’s vision
for a sustainable food production system.
5.1.8 Vertical Growing Bed.........................................................................................................
Vertical growing beds have been utilized to maximize the total growing area of a greenhouse. If the beds
are stacked vertically, then you can greatly increase the capacity that the greenhouse can output. There
are also some downsides to this type of configuration. If the growing beds are stacked on top of each
other, there is an issue with sunlight being able to reach the lower level beds. To compensate for this,
artificial lighting must be used. There are several different types of light sources that are used for
hydroponics and aquaponics. LED lights are commonly used because of their efficiency and prolonged