 Matt Stuppy |
The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) along with GMPro is pleased to present this special Spotlight to greenhouse growers. The NGMA has a long and successful tradition of working with horticulture professionals throughout the United States. NGMA members understand that greenhouse structures, equipment and coverings are critical tools for your production and livelihood. We intend to continue furthering these relationships, listening to your needs and assisting you to realize your innovative ideas.
The value of the NGMA members to growers is represented in the tangible structures and equipment as well as the intangible information, standards of quality and industry representation that we provide. We understand that growers face challenges each and every day.
For the last couple of years much of the focus has been on the country’s economic conditions. The economic challenges have affected the greenhouse industry and will continue to do so for some time. Growers are also constantly dealing with changes to markets, crop health, energy, transportation and local perceptions. These are the issues that NGMA members approach with expertise and enthusiasm.
Building code issues
We have identified changes in building and construction standards as a priority. Our society is increasingly placing an emphasis on energy efficient and green building methods. As these changes come about insuring that the original green building, the greenhouse, is not negatively impacted is important. The NGMA sees this as a responsibility it has to the horticulture industry.
The NGMA has started a project to address the new U.S. energy and green building codes. These codes and standards seek to govern construction materials, methods and resource inputs for new buildings. Examples include the International Code Council Green Building Code and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards. There will likely be unintended consequences for our industry if we are not proactive and are slow or fail to take action. This is a significant challenge because each building jurisdiction is unique and has the opportunity to make changes from the International Building Code.
To address these building code issues the NGMA is writing a new energy and sustainability document for greenhouses. This document is intended to account for the primary purpose of greenhouses, which is to produce plants while maintaining the need for energy, water and environmental efficiency. Once this document has been created, NGMA expects to submit it to the International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers to have it recognized for use with greenhouse design and construction. Additionally, this document will be made available as a NGMA resource to the industry so that it can be used at the local level when working with individual building officials.
The NGMA is a dedicated team of greenhouse manufacturers, equipment providers and service companies. We are grateful for the opportunity to work in this industry to provide it with our products and expertise. We welcome your input through the NGMA website.
Matt Stuppy is president, Stuppy Inc., (800) 733-5025; www.stuppy.com; and president of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, (800) 792-6462; www.ngma.com.
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