alm0333 energy efficiency - Almonds

CALIFORNIA ALMOND SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Acknowledgments

Editors

Daniel Sonke, D.P.M., Senior Scientist, SureHarvest

Joe Browde, Ph.D., Professional Services Manager, SureHarvest

Gabriele Ludwig, Ph.D., Associate Director, Environmental Affairs, Almond Board

of California

Chip Sundstrom, Ph.D., FJS Consulting

Contributing Reviewers

Manuel Azevedo, Grower

Brent Boersma, Grower, 4th Generation Farms

Sonja Brodt, Ph.D., Academic Coordinator, Sustainable Agricultural Research & Education

Program, UC Davis

Greg Browne, Ph.D., Research Plant Pathologist, USDA Agricultural Research Service

Wayne Bruns, Grower, CW Farms

Casey Creamer, Vice President, Western Agricultural Processors Association

Robert Curtis, Associate Director, Agricultural Affairs, Almond Board of California

Chuck Dirkse, Grower, La Mancha Orchards

Donald Frantz, P.E., Energy Solutions Manager, Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Merlyn Garber, Grower, Garber Poultry Farms

Nick Gatzman, Grower, Travaille & Phippen, Inc.

Ken Giles, Ph.D., Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, UC Davis

David Grantz, Air Quality Effects Specialist and Plant Physiologist, UC Kearney Ag Center

Joe Kollmeyer, General Manager, Cortez Growers Association

Brian Ramos, Grower, Swanson Farms

Lucinda Roth, State Climate Change Specialist, NRCS

Johnnie Siliznoff, State Air Quality Specialist, NRCS

Gary Suzuki, Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program Manager, Southern California Edison

Jim Swaney, Permit Services Manager, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

Josaphine Tuchel, Principal, IDSM Products, Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Steve Van Duyn, Grower, Steve Van Duyn Farms

Dennis Yotsuya, Grower, Dennis Yotsuya Farms

2 C A L I F O R N I A A L M O N D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y P R O G R A M — E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y

INTRODUCTION — SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Like most sectors of the economy, agriculture has been transformed by

readily available energy. Energy, in fact, is required for many aspects

of almond production and processing. Powered equipment is used for

orchard operations ranging from preplant soil preparation to harvest and

shelling. Irrigation often is associated with significant energy consumption,

particularly for pumping water, but also for irrigation decision-making

tools such as weather stations. Energy is needed to manufacture,

transport and apply fertilizers, pesticides and other farm inputs. Energy

is also essential for transporting almonds to markets worldwide. Almond

farming and handling today would not be economically feasible without

energy resources.

Increases in demand, regulation and political constraints related to energy

resources have increased the volatility in prices and uncertainty for future

sources of energy. An improved standard of living projected for the

middle class in large developing countries is expected to further increase

energy demand and price pressures. California, in recent years, has been

particularly vulnerable to energy shortages and associated ramifications,

as evidenced by an over-stressed electrical grid and rolling blackouts

during periods of high demand. California mandates that require power

utilities to source from more expensive alternatives and oil companies to

provide ‘low-carbon’ fuel could further increase or destabilize prices for

energy.

Besides risks to almond growers and handlers from energy shortages and

price volatility, the production of energy, especially from fossil fuels, can

have adverse environmental impacts. On-site fuel combustion, including

combustion from tractors, irrigation pumps and other equipment,

produces air pollutants, which are of particular concern in the Central

Valley. Power utilities are a source of environmental concerns because

of their reliance on the extraction and combustion of oil, gas and/or coal

for electricity. On- and off-site fuel combustion also contributes carbon

dioxide and other greenhouse gases attributed to global climate change.

Improving energy conservation and efficiency is smart business for

decreasing risks and saving money. Many power utilities provide growers

and handlers with free or low-cost energy audits to identify opportunities

to improve efficiency. A minimal investment in more efficient equipment

or practices can result in large cost savings. From a broader standpoint,

it is important to note the beneficial interactions among general

operational efficiency, energy efficiency and conservation of multiple

natural resources. For example, more efficient irrigation reduces water

use, energy use and pumping costs. The increased use of integrated pest

management simultaneously may decrease sprays, fuel use and cost, as

well as environmental impacts.

3C A L I F O R N I A A L M O N D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y P R O G R A M — E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y

Beyond energy conservation and efficiency, many almond farmers and

handlers use, or are considering, alternative sources of energy, including

photovoltaic (solar) or wind (windmill) systems. Research is being done

to determine if almond shells can be converted to biofuels. Besides

reducing risks associated with conventional energy sources, installation

of technology enabling use of alternative, renewable sources of energy

can provide rapid returns on the investment. Some power utilities

and government agencies provide financial incentives to implement

these technologies, but they can be expensive nonetheless. Focus on

conservation and efficiency before investing in renewable energy systems.


For this orchard or facility, the following methods were used to track and manage electricity use:

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MONITORING ELECTRICITY USE

1 Electricity use in my operation was recorded and tracked beyond filing paid bills. n Yes.n No. (Skip to question 7 on page 5.)

2 Electricity use was recorded and tracked for the operation as a whole.

n n n n

3 Electricity use was recorded and tracked by specific orchard(s) or facility(ies).

n n n n

4 Electricity use per acre or pound of almonds produced or processed was calculated and tracked.

n n n n

5 If so, what was the electricity use per acre or pound for this orchard or facility for the year being assessed? ________ kWh per (circle) acre or pound

6 Other: ________________________________________________ n

The first step in identifying ways to become more efficient in the use of any inputs is to have a good system of measuring them. Using a simple spreadsheet that tracks kilowatt hours of electricity used, where on the farm they are used, and the cost can help you identify efficiency opportunities or spikes in energy consumption.


For this orchard or facility, the following methods were used to track and manage fuel use:

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leMONITORING FUEL USE — DIESEL, GASOLINE, PROPANE AND NONTRADITIONAL FUELS (E.G., BIODIESEL OR NATURAL GAS)

7 Fuel use in the operation was recorded and tracked beyond filing paid fuel bills. n Yes.n No. (Skip to question 14 on page 8.)

8 Annual fuel use was recorded and tracked for the operation as a whole. n n n n

9 Annual fuel use was recorded and tracked by specific vehicles or equipment.

n n n n

10 Annual fuel use was recorded and tracked by specific orchard(s) or facility(ies).

n n n n

11 Annual fuel use was recorded and tracked per acre or pound of almonds produced or processed.

n n n n

12 If so, what was the fuel use per acre or pound for this orchard or facility for the year being assessed? Diesel: ________ gal per (circle) acre | lbGasoline: ________ gal per (circle) acre | lbPropane: ________ gal per (circle) acre | lbOther: ________: ________ gal per (circle) acre | lb

13 Other: ________________________________________________ n


Using an energy log to track farm energy useAdapted with permission from “Tracking the energy use on your farm” by

M. Hanna, J. Harmon and J. Flammang, Iowa State University, 2009

Energy costs are increasingly volatile. If you haven’t previously analyzed

your energy use, the first step can be to create a log or spreadsheet to

track use by month. An example is given on page 7 in a simple format to

start looking at high-level trends. In a computer spreadsheet, rows and

formulas can be added if you wish to refine your analysis.

ELECTRICITY

From your electric utility bill, enter the number of kWh used and your total

cost for electricity. You may wish to add the cost per kWh or even per rate

class (e.g., peak vs. off peak).

FUELS: DIESEL, GASOLINE, PROPANE AND NONTRADITIONAL FUELS

(E.G., BIODIESEL OR NATURAL GAS)

Depending on the time of year and the amount used, you may not enter

information for every month. To keep it simple, you may want to only enter

this information when you receive a bill. At that point, you can record

gallons used and total cost. With more specific record keeping, a monthly

record may be of value.

TOTAL ENERGY COST

Add up your monthly total energy cost, and then the year-end total use

and cost for each energy input.

ANALYzE YOUR RESULTS

At the end of the year, look for trends you didn’t expect, opportunities to

be more efficient, and ways to further refine your log to better help you

make decisions. The log may also help an auditor to identify opportunities

for you during an energy audit.


SAMPLE FARM ENERGY LOG AND APPLICATION

June July August Total

Electricity

kWh 5,011 3,627 4,337 12,975

price per kWh

total electric cost $1,052.48 $761.67 $933.41 $5,836.74

Diesel

gallons 500 856 2,556

price per gallon $2.89 $1.46

total diesel cost $1,444.69 $1,247.22 $6,208.08

Gasoline

gallons 790 500 4,166

price per gallon $3.37 $3.16

total gasoline cost $2,661.64 $1,581.85 $13,475.46

Propane

gallons

price per gallon

total propane cost

Total Energy Cost $5,158.81 $761.67 $3,762.48 $25,520.28

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total

Electricity

kWh

price per kWh

total electric cost

Diesel

gallons

price per gallon

total diesel cost

Gasoline

gallons

price per gallon

total gasoline cost

Propane

gallons

price per gallon

total propane cost

Total Energy Cost

A spreadsheet version of this table can be downloaded from the Iowa

State University website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/

ISUE_energy_log.xls.

Note: If non-traditional fuels (e.g., biodiesel or natural gas) are used, lines

should be included for these fuels.


For this orchard or facility, the following methods were used to develop and implement energy management plans:

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ENERGY AUDITS AND PLANNING — ELECTRICITY

14 In the past 5 years, the operation was audited by a qualified expert (e.g., utility representative or paid consultant) to identify opportunities to improve electricity energy efficiency. (If not, skip to question 19.)

n n n n n

15 Using results of the audit, the operation developed an energy management plan and budget for short- and long-term (e.g., 1-, 3- and 5-year) improvements.

n n n n

16 More than 50% of the energy management plan has been implemented.

n n n n

17 The energy management plan has been fully implemented, and the operation continues to seek further opportunities for improvement.

n n n n

18 Other: ________________________________________________ n

ENERGY AUDITS AND PLANNING — FUEL USE

19 This operation has analyzed its fuel use and/or been audited by a fuel efficiency expert within the past 5 years, identified opportunities to improve efficiencies, and developed a plan and budget for short- and long-term improvements. (If not, skip to question 23 on page 10.)

n n n n n

20 More than 50% of the plan has been implemented. n n n n

21 The plan has been fully implemented, and the operation is tracking fuel use to identify further opportunities for improvement.

n n n n

22 Other: ________________________________________________ n

An energy audit by an expert who knows farm equipment and efficiency alternatives for the farm can result in significant savings. It is a good idea to get expert advice when it is time to replace or upgrade your equipment, but since new technology can result in significant efficiency improvements, it is recommended that you do an audit every 5 years or so to see if you might save money replacing equipment that is still functioning well.

Another key time to get an audit is prior to investigating alternative energy sources such as solar. You don’t want to have to pay extra for a larger solar installation than you actually need to get the job done. As one expert puts it, “Don’t solarize your inefficiencies.”


References and more information

DiGiacomo, Gigi, Robert King and Dale Nordquist, 2003. Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Accessed on August 20, 2010 at http://www.sare.org/publications/business/business.pdf.

Flex Your PowerSM website: http://fypower.org.

Fulton, John, Randy Raper, Timothy McDonald and Ted Tyson. 2006. Fuel Conservation Strategies for the Farm ANR-1303. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Accessed on August 20, 2010 at http://www.aces.edu/.

Hanna, Mark, Jay Harmon and Jane Flammang. 2009. Tracking the Energy Use on Your Farm. Iowa State University Extension. Accessed on September 3, 2010 at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM2089C.pdf.

Svejkovsky, Cathy. 2007. Conserving Fuel on the Farm. ATTRA — National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, Butte, Montana. Accessed on August 24, 2010 at http://www.attra.ncat.org.

WHAT ABOUT SMART METERS?

Utility companies in California have replaced a large percentage of the

state’s electrical meters with smart meters that can automatically transmit

use data to the company. It is anticipated that this is the first step in the

creation of a smart energy grid that will provide a more stable energy

distribution. Eventually, interactive tools are expected to become available

that will help individual customers plan and respond to opportunities to

save money or energy. Computerized equipment controls could interact

with a more refined time-of-use system, for example. Some utilities

already provide online tracking of energy use for customers with smart

meters. At a minimum, companies are saving money through reduced

meter-reading costs.


For this orchard or facility, additional practices or technologies used to maximize energy efficiency included:

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PUMPS

23 Irrigation pump motors or engines were maintained regularly. (If your irrigation system had no pump, answer Not applicable and skip to question 29 on page 11.)

n n n n n

24 The irrigation pumping system was tested for energy efficiency within the last three years, and repairs or improvements were made where needed.

n n n n n

25 Irrigation pumping was done during off-peak hours whenever possible (for electric pumps).

n n n n n

26 Variable-speed drives were installed on pumps for systems experiencing variable loads (for electric pumps).

n n n n n

27 The irrigation system was computer controlled (e.g., by a SCADA system) to allow users to monitor flow rates and/or other efficiency data about the system.

n n n n n

28 Other: ________________________________________________ n

Irrigation pumping often represents the greatest use of energy in an orchard, whether powered by electricity, diesel or other fuel. The Center for Irrigation Technology at CSU Fresno recommends getting pumps tested every three years or so. Minimal increases in pumping efficiency can greatly decrease energy use and cost. Free or low-cost tests may be available from your utility provider. More information and tools for calculating cost savings are available at http:// www.pumpefficiency.org.

Most almond growers using electrical irrigation pumps are aware that utility companies generally offer reduced rates for electricity during off-peak hours (late night/early morning). However, it is not always possible to complete irrigation during that period. Accordingly, some growers pump from wells or other sources into water storage ponds during off-peak hours. By doing the heavy-lifting pumping into ponds, less energy-intensive pumping from the ponds to the trees can be used at other times of the day.


Anonymous. 2010. Flex Your Power Best Practice Guide: Irrigation Pumping. Accessed on August 13, 2010 at http://fypower.org.

Anonymous. 2011. Irrigation Training Facility, Chico State University. Accessed on March 21, 2011 at http://www.csuchico.edu/ag/water/SCADA.shtml.

California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative. Farm Ponds for Irrigation. http://agwaterstewards.org/txp/Resource-Center-Articles/19/farm-ponds-for-irrigation.

California Energy Commission. 2011. Energy in Agriculture Program. Accessed on March 21, 2011 at http://www.energy.ca.gov/process/agriculture/index.html.

Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/moyer/moyer.htm.


Southern California Edison Energy Management Solutions web page. Accessed on December 21, 2010 at http://www.sce.com/business/ems/.




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leVEHICLE MAINTENANCE

29 Tire pressures for vehicles and/or tractors and other motorized equipment were checked regularly throughout the year to ensure proper inflation.

n n n n n

30 Vehicles and/or tractors and other motorized equipment were serviced and maintained regularly throughout the year, including timely replacement of oil, fuel and air filters.

n n n n n

31 Other: ________________________________________________ n

VEHICLE SELECTION

32 Lighter vehicles were used for road trips not requiring a large vehicle (small pickup instead of a large pickup, car instead of a pickup, etc.).

n n n n n

33 ATVs, bicycles, motorcycles, golf carts, self-propelled light-spray rigs or other small-engine vehicles were used instead of tractors or larger vehicles for on-site transportation and for jobs requiring less horsepower.

n n n n n

34 When purchasing tractors or other motorized heavy equipment, horsepower needs were calculated and fuel efficiency was part of the decision-making process.

n n n n n

35 The operation provided incentives, facilitated carpooling, or promoted other ways for employees to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.

n n n n n

36 Other: ________________________________________________ n



Hanna, Mark. 2011. Tractor Maintenance to Conserve Energy. Iowa State University Extension. Accessed on Mar. 2011 at http://farmenergy.exnet.iastate.edu.


U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE. 2011. Website: www.fueleconomy.gov. Accessed on Mar. 21, 2011 at http://www.fueleconomy.gov.


For this orchard or facility, practices or technologies used to minimize loss of stored energy from tanks included:

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ABOVE-GROUND FUEL STORAGE TANKS — Note that some air districts in California have very specific guidelines on fuel storage tanks, including paint requirements and required vapor recovery systems. Check with authorities before implementing changes. Also note that while below-ground storage tanks have many of the same reductions in fuel evaporation, they are considered soil and water quality risks and are not mentioned here for that reason.

37 This operation had above-ground fuel storage tanks. n Yes.n No. (Skip to question 43 on page 13.)

38 Above-ground fuel storage tanks were painted/coated white or aluminum to reflect solar radiation.

n n n n

39 Above-ground fuel storage tanks were shaded. n n n n

40 Above-ground fuel storage tanks used pressure-relief vacuum caps rather than conventional caps.

n n n n

41 A concrete-lined “vault” tank or other type of highly insulated tank was used (e.g., ConVault®, Fireguard® or SuperVault™).

n n n n

42 Other: ________________________________________________ n

Significant fuel can escape from storage tanks through evaporation and leaks. According to the California Air Resources Board, a 350-gallon tank can lose as much as 2.5 gallons of gasoline per month during the summer from evaporation. (Diesel is less volatile and will have a much lower rate of evaporation.) This can be reduced by 60% by taking the following steps:

• Provide shade over tanks (if allowed under local building and fire codes).

• Paint tanks white or silver to reflect solar radiation (even in shade).

• Use pressure-relief vacuum caps instead of conventional gas caps.

Using a concrete-lined “vault” type of insulated tank can reduce evaporation losses by 90% or more.

Of course, locking unattended tanks and checking them regularly for leaks prevents other fuel losses.

It should be noted that positioning fuel storage tanks underground also limits evaporative fuel losses, but increases risks of undetected leaks and subsequent contamination of soil and groundwater.


British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. 2005. Farm Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products. Farm Mechanization Factsheet, Order No. 210.510-1. Accessed on March 22, 2011 at http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/publist/200Series/210510-1.pdf.

California Air Resources Board, Aboveground Storage Tanks Vapor Recovery website. Accessed on December 21, 2010 at http://www.arb.ca.gov/vapor/ast/ast.htm.

California Environmental Protection Agency. 2010. Air Resources Board Vapor Recovery Advisory Number 393: Gasoline Dispensing Facility: Enhanced Vapor Recovery Systems for New and Existing Aboveground Storage Tanks, April 30, 2010. Accessed on November 10, 2010 at http://www.arb.ca.gov/vapor/advisories/adv393.pdf.



Resources from electric utilities:

Nearly every California electric utility offers lighting rebates and incentives for business customers. Some offer agriculture and food processing incentives on pumping, motors, HVAC, etc. Check your utility’s website for more information:

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) www.smud.org

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) www.pge.com

Southern California Edison (SCE) www.sce.com

Modesto Irrigation District (MID) www.mid.org

Turlock Irrigation District (TID) www.tid.org

Roseville Electric www.roseville.ca.us/electric

Merced Irrigation District (MID) www.mercedid.org

Redding Electric Utility (REU)www.reupower.com

For this orchard or facility, additional practices or technologies used to maximize energy efficiency include:

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leLIGHTING

43 Did this orchard or facility have lighted buildings (e.g., office, shop or plant) or outdoor lights? n Yes.n No. (Skip to question 49.)

44 Motion sensors or timers/daylight sensors controlled yard and/or shop/plant lights.

n n n n n

45 Solar-powered yard lights were used. n n n n n

46 The shop or plant lighting was designed with task or area lighting to allow work without lighting unused spaces.

n n n n n

47 Shop/Plant lighting was augmented with natural light from skylights or windows to reduce the need for electrical lighting during the day. (Note: In air-conditioned facilities, this may increase heat gain or loss. Consult an expert to avoid increasing HVAC use.)

n n n n n

48 Other: ________________________________________________ n

OFFICE EQUIPMENT

49 Did this operation have dedicated office equipment such as computer(s), printer(s) or copier(s)?n Yes.n No. (Skip to question 53 on page 14.)

50 Office equipment was turned off when not needed. n n n n n

51 Office equipment was installed or replaced with Energy Star–certified or equivalent energy-efficient equipment.

n n n n n

52 Other: ________________________________________________ n


Anonymous. 2010. Flex Your Power Best Practice Guide: Commercial Office Buildings. Accessed on August 13, 2010 at http://www.fypower.org.

Missouri Industrial Assessment Center. 2008. MOIAC Webtool 2.0 Beta. Accessed on March 22, 2011 at http://iac.missouri.edu/webtool/.

Oregon Department of Energy. 2010. Lighting for Commercial Facilities Frequently Asked Questions web page: http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/BUS/light/FAQ.shtml

PG&E Agriculture and Food Processing Services web page. Accessed on December 21, 2010 at http://www.pge.com.


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. Frequently Asked Questions Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury. July 2008. Accessed on August 20, 2010 at http://www.energystar.gov.



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HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING (HVAC)

53 This operation had a structure with a heating and/or cooling system. n Yes. n No. (Skip to question 59 on page 15.)

54 Thermostats were set at 78°F or above in the summer and/or 68°F or below in the winter.

n n n n

55 The HVAC system was maintained regularly, including frequent checking and cleaning of filters.

n n n n

56 Shop/Plant heat gain or loss was reduced through insulation, weather stripping, radiant barriers, etc.

n n n n n

57 High-efficiency HVAC options such as radiant floor heating and/or Energy Star or high-SEER equipment were used.

n n n n n

58 Other: ________________________________________________ n


Anonymous. 2010. Flex Your Power Best Practice Guide: Commercial Office Buildings. Accessed on August 13, 2010 at http://www.fypower.org.

Cool Roof Rating Council website. Undated. Accessed on August 25, 2010 at http://www.coolroofs.org/.



Motor management planning

Variable-frequency drives save energy in situations involving motors and variable loads. In addition, other steps can be taken to reduce the energy expended by motors, beginning with consistent maintenance to reduce wear. Matching the motor to the job is important to prevent wasted capacity. Furthermore, motors having cog belts are estimated to use 2% to 8% less energy than standard V-belts. Adding automatic shutoff controls can be cost-effective by reducing the time that motors run unnecessarily. Newer motors may be efficient enough that it would be cost-effective to replace even older motors that still run well.

An energy auditor or motor management specialist can prepare a motor management plan for you to implement improved efficiencies for your operation.


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59 This orchard or facility had a significant number of motors, such as in a huller or sheller operation, processing plant, etc. n Yes. n No. (Skip to question 68 on page 16.)

60 Motors and moving parts were cleaned and lubricated throughout the season to reduce wear and improve motor efficiency.

n n n n

61 Motors were carefully selected so that horsepower matches load needs.

n n n n

62 Motors rated for high efficiency (such as NEMA Premium® Efficiency) have been used for new installations or to replace less-efficient motors.

n n n n n

63 Cog belts (notched V-belts) were used on large motors for better energy transfer.

n n n n n

64 Variable-frequency drives have been installed for motors with variable loads.

n n n n n

65 Sensors or other automatic controls shut off motors during idle times such as between lots.

n n n n n

66 Equipment design was intentionally engineered to reduce load. n n n n n

67 Other: ________________________________________________ n



N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. 2004. Energy Efficiency Using a Motor Management Program. Accessed on August 13, 2010 at http://www.p2pays.org/.

Oregon Department of Energy. 2010. Top 5 Natural Energy-Saving Opportunities in Six Industry Sectors. Accessed on August 13, 2010 at http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/.

U.S. DOE. 2005. When to Purchase NEMA Premium® Efficiency Motors. Motor Systems Tip Sheet #1, Industrial Technologies Program, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. DOE, Washington, DC. Accessed on August 13, 2010 at http://www.docstoc.com/docs/31430527/When-to-Purchase-NEMA-Premium-Efficiency-Motors-Industrial.


For this facility, additional practices or technologies used to maximize energy efficiency included:

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PROCESS HEAT (PROCESSORS USING HEAT FOR ROASTING, BLANCHING, DRYERS, ETC.)

68 This facility processed almonds using heat. n Yes.n No. (Skip to question 75 on page 17.)

69 Heat loss was reduced through optimum and well-maintained insulation of equipment.

n n n n n

70 Heat transfer from source to process or load was optimized through equipment design and material use.

n n n n n

71 High-efficiency equipment that closely controls air/fuel ratios or other technology was used to optimize combustion or other means of heat generation (within the specifications allowed by air quality regulations).

n n n n n

72 Sensors and monitoring processes were utilized to track the efficiency of process heating and to make corrections as needed.

n n n n n

73 Technology for heat recovery was used to capture and “reuse” heat escaping with flue gases, from motors, etc.

n n n n n

74 Other: ________________________________________________ n


U.S. DOE. 2010. Process Heating Tip Sheets. Accessed on March 22, 2011 at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/process_heat.html.




For facilities with cold storage, refrigeration is a significant energy sink and, depending on size, may be subject to multiple state regulations. Of course, cold storage is a component of food safety management as well. Some refrigerants are also significant greenhouse gases. Minimizing leaks and/or switching to an alternative refrigerant can significantly lower a facility’s carbon footprint.

For this facility, additional practices or technologies used to maximize energy efficiency included:

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leREFRIGERATION (FOR FACILITIES USING COLD STORAGE)

75 This facility had cold storage facilities. n Yes. n No. (Skip to question 89 on page 18.)

76 Evaporator coils were checked regularly for frost buildup. n n n n n

77 Condenser coils were checked regularly for frost buildup and cleaned on a regular schedule.

n n n n n

78 Door and wall seams were checked for air leaks at least twice a year. n n n n n

79 High-traffic doors had strip curtains and/or were high-speed automated doors; low-traffic doors were well insulated (e.g., R-12).

n n n n n

80 Lighting in cooled spaces utilized high-efficiency bulbs, which have low heat loss (e.g., T5 fluorescents or LEDs).

n n n n n

81 Exterior walls and the roof of the building housing the cold storage facility were painted light colors to reflect solar radiation and/or a “cool roof” was used.

n n n n n

82 Monitoring gauges and switches on filters or valves were used to alert staff if system pressure dropped or other malfunctions occurred.

n n n n n

83 The cold storage facility had the optimum R-value wall and roof insulation recommended by a refrigeration specialist.

n n n n n

84 Motors with variable-speed drives or two-speed motors were used for evaporator fans, compressors and/or condensers.

n n n n n

85 The refrigeration system used floating-head pressure control to reduce compressor load.

n n n n n

86 Computer control technology was used to monitor refrigeration system operations and energy use to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and track performance.

n n n n n

87 The cold storage system utilized load shifting to minimize energy use during peak hours (i.e., the system ran primarily at night).

n n n n n

88 Other: ________________________________________________ n


Cool Roof Rating Council website. Undated. Accessed on August 25, 2010 at http://www.coolroofs.org/.





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ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES

89 Solar energy was used by this operation to generate electricity or heat (e.g., hot water or processing heat).

n n n n n

90 Wind power was used by this operation to generate electricity. n n n n n

91 Other renewable or alternative energy was generated by this operation (e.g., using a biogas digester or fuel cells).

n n n n n

92 The operation contracted with its electrical utility to purchase energy from renewable sources (e.g., PG&E ClimateSmartTM or SMUD Greenergy® programs).

n n n n n

93 Other: ________________________________________________ n


National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 2010. Photovoltaics for Farms and Ranches. Accessed on March 21, 2011 at http://www.nrel.gov/learning/fr_photovoltaics.html.

Svejkovsky, Cathy. 2006. Renewable Energy Opportunities on the Farm. ATTRA — National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, Butte, Montana. Accessed on August 24, 2010 at http://www.attra.ncat.org.


Because agriculture involves complex systems, changes in practices can have multiple and varied impacts on natural resources. Sometimes the ramifications are straightforward. For instance, reductions in pesticide use often mean less fuel is required for tractors and sprayers. Production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer involves a large amount of energy, and its use can contribute to greenhouse gases under certain soil conditions. Efficient use of fertilizer has multiple economic and sustainability benefits.

Sometimes ramifications are not so straightforward. Mowing an orchard floor may take more energy and produce more air pollutants and greenhouse gases than that associated with using some herbicides. A sustainability perspective involves systems-level thinking that often means more questions are raised than answered. But, it also makes us more aware of the issues and better able to discuss the complexity of agriculture when asked.

For this orchard, additional practices or technologies used to maximize energy efficiency included:

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leINDIRECT ENERGY AND ORCHARD PASSES

94 Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques were used to reduce the likelihood of treatments for insect, disease and weed control and associated energy use. (See the Pest Management module for more detailed information.)

n n n n

95 No-till or other orchard floor management techniques were used to reduce tractor passes and associated energy use (e.g., judicious use of preemergent herbicides to reduce the passes needed for weed management).

n n n n n

96 Sweeping/Harvesting equipment designed for minimizing passes and associated energy use was used.

n n n n n

97 Tissue testing and other nutrient budgeting techniques were used to most efficiently utilize fertilizers and limit the energy footprint associated with their use, manufacture, application and transport. (See the Nutrient Management module for more detailed information.)

n n n n

98 Irrigation-scheduling technologies were used to decide when and how much to irrigate based on tree need and soil/climate conditions. (See the Irrigation Management module for more detailed information.)

n n n n n

99 Other: ________________________________________________ n



Hanna, Mark, Jay Harmon and Jane Flammang. 2009. Tracking the Energy Use on Your Farm. Iowa State University Extension. Accessed on September 3, 2010 at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM2089C.pdf.


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alm0333 energy efficiency - Almonds