About the Athabasca Grown Project
Athabasca Grown, is a joint project of The Town of Athabasca, Athabasca University researchers and industry consultants.
The main part of the project is a feasibility study of a “passive solar” greenhouse that would extend Northern Alberta's growing seasons for local food production, even into the winter.
The team will examine the overall benefits, including regenerative production, agrotourism, job creation, community economic development, and more.
A workshop series will explore these subjects further, facilitated by industry experts and practitioners, to engage the community and build local capacity.
The workshops are funded through the Government of Alberta’s Small Community Opportunity Program and administered through the Town of Athabasca.
Community Futures Tawatinaw, Athabasca District Agricultural Society, Athabasca University RAIC Centre for Architecture, Athabasca Science Outreach, and Athabasca County Economic Development are co-hosting the events.
FAQs
-
In the design of passive solar buildings, the building materials are designed to fulfill two functions:
Collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter months. When sunlight enters the building
Reject solar heat in the summer months.
This way of designing is called passive solar design. It does not imply the use of mechanical or electrical devices. It is widely used in living spaces.
The key to designing a passive solar building is to take advantage of the local climate. To do that, we need an accurate site analysis. It is possible to apply design techniques easily to new buildings. However, existing buildings can be adapted.
Elements to consider include:
Depending on the placement and size of the windows, we can get heat gain or heat loss.
The type of glazing will affect the heat transference.
Thermal insulation reduces heating and air conditioning costs.
The thermal mass can work as heat storage and increase the cost-effectiveness of a heating system.
Shading.
Air movement and natural ventilation will help us to deal with warm air.
Temperature and heat transfer are the basis of this type of energy.
-
Depending on the climate and temperature range of the greenhouse, you could grow many types of fruits & vegetables including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and more.
-
The good news is that there are multiple passive solar greenhouses already growing vegetables and other produce in Alberta.
With a combination of building technology and the choice of crops, it is possible to grow fresh food during the Northern Alberta winter.
