The Autism Society, Newfoundland Labrador and Iron & Earth East are teaming up on the first greenhouse of its kind to be built in this province, which will be among the first net-metering projects to be connected to the provincial grid.
The 365 Greenhouse Project will showcase renewable energy technologies, highlight issues surrounding food sustainability and serve as a community-building and educational tool.
It will operate year-round — hence the 365 in its name — benefiting from natural light during the standard growing season and generating the heat and light required for growing during the winter using photovoltaic (PV) modules.
And it’s a venture that will benefit people with autism spectrum disorder through Good Roots Gardening.
ASNL and I&EE, in a joint announcement Wednesday, said they’re looking for community help with the project. It’s an opportunity for local contractors to be involved in a high-profile, environmentally friendly initiative that will have broad-reaching positive impacts.
They’re hoping to get donations of materials and cash, as well as volunteers for various aspects of the project.
The greenhouse is to be built at the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism on Clinch Crescent in St. John’s.
“The 365 Greenhouse will extend our season year-round so we are always able to have fresh produce/herbs grown on site,” Tess Hemeon, manager of advocacy and communications for the ASNL said Wednesday.
“Currently, for many desserts we are able to use berries that are frozen from last season,’’ she added.
Good Roots Gardening is the second social enterprise operated by the ASNL. It grows produce in garden beds and the current greenhouse for The Pantry Café, sells flowers and plants, and hires individuals to water indoor plants at local workplaces, giving opportunity and work experience to people on the autism spectrum.
Iron & Earth East is the Newfoundland-based chapter of a national worker-led movement committed to renewable energy projects.
“We met with them about two years ago to start the planning of this project,” Delia Warren, the East Coast director of Iron & Earth East said Wednesday.
“The work they do in the community is so important. This will help them expand their programs and reach other people, help other people,’’ she added.
Warren said the new greenhouse will measure 25 feet by 70 feet. She said Iron & Earth East wanted to build a greenhouse to show what is possible through renewable energy and also showcase the diversity of the workers who are part of the organization. It lets them be part of the inaugural project to use net-metering announced by the provincial government, which allows people to install solar power or small-scale wind turbines to produce renewable energy.
“This partnership with the Autism Society, and the location they have, is the perfect back drop for this project,’’ Warren said.
Anyone wishing to give of their time or make a financial contribution can contact Delia Warren at [email protected] or by going to the ASNL webpage at www.autism.nf.net.
ASNL is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting the development of individual, lifelong, and community-based supports and services for people with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and caregivers.
