ABSTRACT
This chapter examines energy usage patterns in the nursery industry in Queensland, Australia. It identifies potential renewable energy sources that could be utilized in the industry. In Australia, the nursery and garden industry provides significant economic, cultural, social and environmental benefits to the community. Amenity horticulture is currently one of the fastest growing industries in Australia (NGIA). Energy use efficiency has also become increasingly important due to the increasing cost and scarcity of energy sources and also the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions causing global warming. With the rising energy costs and increasing concern over GHG emissions, on-farm energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important issue for many nursery operators. Australia is a country which has a rich solar energy resource with the highest average solar radiation per square meter in the world. Energy is increasingly becoming a key factor for the nursery industry to understand and manage in relation to sustainability and cost performance.
