2011 / 2010 / 2009 / 2008 / 2007 / 2006

Peter and Wilma Aarts – Lambton County

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Wilma and Peter Aarts; MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Maria Van Bommel

Switching to switch grass to heat a 1,500 sow operation has reduced this farm’s energy costs and environmental footprint. The farm adapted a high efficiency boiler, typically used in greenhouse operations, designed to burn coal or natural gas to produce heat. The boiler was modified to burn switch grass – a renewable, green energy resource. Within two weeks, the owners no longer needed propane tanks on their farm. They now solely depend on heat generated from the switch grass and predict the high efficiency boiler will help them save up to 80 per cent on their heating bills. This innovation is a greener option that’s easy to warm up to.