Did you know that the human population on Earth is forecasted to reach 9.8 billion by 2050? Startlingly, the sheer number of people will require a significant increase in agricultural production to meet the world’s nutritional demands. Many studies suggest that increasing flat grain production is a viable means for feeding our ever-growing planet; however, farm production intensification comes at a cost, as added consumption of fertilizers, pesticides, and fuels will lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions (and more adverse environmental impacts).
With all this being said, if you’re looking for a sustainable solution that simultaneously benefits your practices and the environment, we have you covered. In this article, we’re delving into the sustainable advantages of fabric structures for flat grain storage.
In today’s agricultural landscape, sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity for farmers and businesses. The need for cost-efficient, eco-friendly bulk storage has increased recently, with flat grain storage being a key market. There are many reasons why fabric structures are an environmentally conscious choice; however, today’s article focuses on the top five eco-advantages fabric structures provide.
One of the standout advantages of fabric structure features is their ability to magnify natural light. Our semi-translucent fabric covers allow ample sunlight to saturate the structure, so you’ll no longer need artificial lighting to illuminate your space during daylight hours. As studied by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), fabric structures can reduce energy consumption by an impressive 70% compared to traditional wood and steel buildings. Thus, you can reduce your hydro bill and your carbon footprint.
Creating and maintaining a stable temperate climate within grain storage facilities is vital for preserving grain quality. Fabric structures excel at creating comfortable environments even without insulation: inside temperatures remain up to 20 degrees warmer than the environment during the cold winter months and roughly 10-15 degrees cooler during the summer. Our structures can further be insulated or vented to ensure your interior remains at a stable temperature.
Due to a fabric structure’s inherent capacity to remain temperate, fabric-covered flat grain storage facilities reduce heating costs by 15% and AC costs by 20% versus traditional steel buildings (research from Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station). Our fabric bulk storage structures are thermally conductive, as heat transfer occurs at a lower rate within the fabric material than in traditional buildings. Thus, interiors are less susceptible to becoming humid or damp, which mitigates risks of clumping, mold, and mildew.
At Calhoun, durability is always top of mind. Before engineering each new building, we conduct an industry-exclusive site-specific review. Each fabric structure comes custom-engineered for its unique environment. Numerous factors are analyzed to ensure longevity, including topography, terrain, snow load, and wind load. This rigorous review helps reduce the frequency of replacements and repairs while increasing material lifespan.
Instead of spending money on costly repairs, shingle replacement, or wood rot, our structures allow you to focus your time and money on what matters: your business. Moreover, our manufacturing process involves hot dip galvanized steel and high-density polyethylene; therefore, our fabric facilities last 15-20 years before needing minor repairs. Whereas your competitor’s wood-steel buildings will need a complete overhaul in 20 years, you might have to replace a small tear. Again, we return to the notion that our structures can help you reduce your carbon footprint (through less material waste) while saving you money.
A unique advantage possessed by fabric structures is the capacity to reduce waste material during both the construction process and during repairs/replacement.
Hence, fabric structures have the inherent capacity to reduce waste and promote recycling.
The last environmentally friendly advantage of fabric structures is their reduced need for extensive land excavation and foundation work – your new facility won’t disturb the environment’s natural biota to the same extent that a traditional building would. We offer multiple foundation options (from wood posts to sea cans) to ensure you still have an option that fits your unique building needs while remaining environmentally conscious.
A common thread through all the above advantages is that they are sustainable while being cost-effective. This is a huge reason why so many companies are choosing to build fabric structures. As the demand for grain continues to grow, selecting an adaptable, cost-effective solution will help you while also helping the world reduce its carbon emissions.
If you’d like to learn more about Calhoun’s sustainability and download our helpful infographic, click here.
Are you in need of other sustainable agricultural solutions? The benefits listed above are not just exclusive to flat grain storage. For information on other agriculture storage solutions, click here. To learn about our livestock options, click here.
Just before you contact us, check out this helpful infographic that gives you an overview of all the things you should consider!
