In collaboration with Solutions Will, Gen V aimed to address various climate challenges for the reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions.
More than just a producer, Gen V represents a movement that envisions a green, dynamic, and lively future. Our commitment goes beyond cultivation; it is a pledge to cultivate better, eat consciously, consume in line with values, and create a future that mirrors our aspirations.
In this endeavor, we first identified several climate challenges we aimed to address:
Water Efficiency: Measuring water discharge to implement water efficiency measures.
Waste Management: Improving the management of organic production waste.
Material Replacement: Studying the possibility of replacing expanded polystyrene cultivation panels with plastic panels.
Plastic Recycling: Diverting agricultural plastics from landfills for recycling.
Product Valorization: Finding markets for downgraded products.
Worker Housing Sustainability: Implementing recycling and composting in the houses of foreign workers.
We then determined decarbonization initiatives with two types of greenhouse gas reduction projects:
Waste Management Projects (12 microprojects): Diverting biomass residue from landfills.
Energy Conversion Projects (76 microprojects): Converting greenhouse heating systems from propane to biomass (for 76 greenhouses).
The company also contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the recycling of agricultural plastics, diverted from landfills. In July 2023, Gen V repurposed over 198 tons of urban wood from Montreal, originally destined for landfills, for heating the greenhouses.
Partnership for Sustainability
Collaborating with Les Complices Alimentaires allowed Gen V to repurpose local downgraded fruits and vegetables into affordable frozen products, available through voluntary pricing freezers. This initiative supports not only environmental sustainability but also contributes to the employment journey of individuals facing difficulties.
Results of the Decarbonization Strategy
The impact of Gen V's decarbonization strategy is evident in the following results:
Total reduction of 401,583 tons of CO2e since 2010.
Annual reduction of 201,879 tons of CO2e (2018 figures).
Contribution of $145,238 CAD to various initiatives in 2023.
In conclusion, our journey with Solutions Will illustrates how a commitment to sustainable and innovative practices in greenhouse agriculture can lead to significant environmental benefits and positive social impacts.
