At Okotoks Natural Foods, the largest health food store in the area, you’ll find a wide selection of products that support your well-being. From supplements and body care to specialty groceries, herbs, and meats, the store offers a comprehensive range of goods. One of the standout offerings is fresh produce supplied by Agro Resilience Kit (ARK), a local company dedicated to providing high-quality, fresh, and sustainable produce to the community.
Supporting Local with ARK’s Fresh Produce
Okotoks Natural Foods has a strong commitment to supporting local businesses, and that includes partnering with ARK to supply customers with year-round fresh produce. ARK’s produce is grown using cutting-edge, sustainable practices in its greenhouse, making it a valuable resource for those who want to support eco-friendly initiatives and enjoy fresh, locally grown food.
In its greenhouse, ARK cultivates a variety of produce, including kale, mint, chives, Swiss chard, figs, radishes, asparagus, tomatoes, and even rainbow trout. These plants thrive in a small, efficient greenhouse that is powered by advanced technology to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability. With ARK’s innovative practices, customers can rest assured they are getting the highest-quality produce that is grown with care and respect for the environment.
A Partnership with Sprung Structures
ARK’s year-round greenhouse is in a strategic business alliance with Sprung Structures, a company known for its advanced, energy-efficient buildings. Together, ARK and Sprung have developed best practices for organic greenhouse growing, aquaponics, and energy efficiency, making ARK a leading example of sustainable agriculture.
This collaboration extends beyond just growing food; it also contributes to a larger sustainability initiative. The Sprung Structures head office and manufacturing campus, in partnership with ARK, has made significant strides toward becoming more energy-efficient and independent. Thanks to the implementation of a natural gas reciprocating engine cogeneration system, the campus has reduced its reliance on external energy sources.
The cogeneration system serves as the 706,000 BTU lead boiler and electricity generator for the campus. Instead of letting most of the energy be wasted, as is common in traditional power generation methods, the system captures heat off the engine jacket and exhaust, making use of what would otherwise be lost. This system is responsible for providing most of the heating required by the complex, except during the coldest periods. Additionally, the cogeneration system supplies about 90% of the campus’s electricity needs at night and 50% during the day, significantly reducing energy costs.
In total, this system saves Sprung Structures about $120,000 per year in utility savings, a figure determined by an energy audit from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). The energy savings achieved by this system, combined with other sustainable practices, demonstrate ARK’s dedication to reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
Solar Power and Biomass Solutions: ARK’s Greenhouse Technology
At ARK, sustainability is at the forefront of everything they do. The greenhouse benefits from unparalleled solar gain thanks to the use of a clear membrane supplied by Sprung Structures. This membrane, combined with a concentrated solar system, allows the greenhouse to harness the power of the sun and store it for use in growing plants year-round. This system is further augmented by a small-scale anaerobic digester that converts organic kitchen waste into biogas and compost. This approach reduces waste and provides further savings by helping to power the greenhouse operations.
By integrating solar energy and biomass solutions, ARK is demonstrating the power of sustainable technology in agricultural production. These practices not only reduce the environmental impact of farming but also ensure that the food produced is of the highest quality, with minimal reliance on traditional energy sources.
Emulating Time-Tested Agricultural Practices
ARK’s modernized methods are built on centuries of agricultural wisdom. Aquaponics, for example, is an ancient practice that has been used for over 3,000 years in places like Mexico and along the Nile River. This closed-loop system, which combines fish farming with plant growing, allows for efficient use of resources, with fish waste providing nutrients for plants and plants filtering the water for the fish. By utilizing this practice, ARK is able to grow healthy, sustainable food with minimal waste.
In addition, the concept of closed-loop systems can be traced back to the Paris gardens of the Middle Ages, where gardeners were able to maintain healthy soil and crops for generations without depleting the land. Similarly, Thomas Edison, known for his work in electricity, deployed cogeneration in his first power plant in New York City. By combining modern technology with proven techniques, ARK is continuing the legacy of sustainable farming practices that have stood the test of time.
A Future of Sustainable Food Production
ARK’s innovative approaches to greenhouse growing, aquaponics, and energy efficiency provide a glimpse into the future of sustainable food production. By integrating modern technologies with time-tested agricultural practices, ARK is paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly food system. Whether it’s providing fresh produce to Okotoks Natural Foods or working with Sprung Structures to improve energy efficiency, ARK is making a significant impact on both local food security and global sustainability.
To learn more about ARK’s innovative greenhouse systems and their commitment to sustainable food production, don’t hesitate to reach out. ARK is always happy to share knowledge and insights on how they’re working to create a more resilient food system for future generations.
For more information on local fresh produce, visit ARK’s Community Supported Agriculture page.