Welcome to the Farm Energy Audit Training for greenhouses. This training will focus on greenhouse production facilities as they are among the highest energy consuming agricultural operations in Michigan.
Training is broken down into 4 phases and you need to successful complete all phases to receive an endorsement for certification as a Certified Greenhouse Farm Energy Auditor. The certification program will be managed by the Michigan Agricultural Energy Council (MAEC) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE).
Phase 1 (December 17-18, 2009. Rm. 114 Farrall Hall, MSU) – Two days, training covering fundamental greenhouse operations, technical energy efficiency areas, energy efficiency strategies and issues, energy audits, testing strategies, funding and alternative energy sources.
Phase 2 (To be announced) – Select one of the available dates. One day, involves breaking into 2-3 groups and visiting a greenhouse operation to conduct actual assessment, data gathering, laying out strategies and assignments within each group (coordinated by project staff assigned to each group) regarding development of a Farm Energy Audit. Groups can coordinate additional discussion dates among themselves. Project staff will assist in development of the report.
Phase 3 (To be announced) – One day, involves presentation of completed Farm Energy Audit Report with discussions, feedback and recommendations regarding each group report. Final report with modifications based on discussions, feedback and recommendation will be submitted.
Phase 4 (Report deadline is March 1, 2010) – Each participant (can work in pairs) will develop a Farm Energy Audit Report on their own and submit the report by an agreed upon date. Reports will be evaluated by project staff and comments forwarded to the Farm Energy Auditor/s for final revisions. A list of greenhouse farms who are willing to cooperate will be provided for participants to choose from.
Training Outline