University College of the North (UCN) is operating a low (near-net-zero) energy greenhouse on The Pas campus.
Construction of the greenhouse began in 2020 in partnership with the Composites Innovations Centre (recently rebranded as CIC Engineering). The primary purpose of the project is to strengthen food sovereignty, community health, and student learning opportunities within northern communities.
The near-net-zero facility uses Biofibre blocks as the main heat reservoir. These blocks absorb light energy and heat the building with minimal energy input. Built using a Canadian design and made from Canadian-sourced hemp, the Biofibre blocks are designed to maximize heat retention and support year-round food production.
Production within the greenhouse incorporates multiple growing systems to meet community needs and test the viability of these systems in a northern climate.
Currently, two of the three growing systems have been established. Seedlings for a variety of herbs and vegetables have been planted, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, spinach, lettuce, arugula, green onions, basil, thyme, rosemary, and chives. Most of the produce is harvested for use in the campus cafeteria by Culinary Arts students and staff.
The greenhouse serves not only as a food production facility but also as a research and student learning space. It provides a living laboratory for botany, biology, and environmental studies, giving students hands-on learning opportunities.
The project supports research into growing produce north of the 53rd parallel. If successful, this greenhouse model could be tested in even more northern communities to help address food sovereignty challenges across northern Manitoba.
The long-term goal is to develop a greenhouse design that requires minimal external energy while providing a practical solution for year-round food production in northern communities.
University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.
