Freedom Cannabis Inc, Licensed Producer, inaugurates a new state-of-the-art solar array at its facility in Acheson, Alberta,. The 1,830 kW solar array, supplied by ENMAX, is Canada's largest rooftop solar system and will offset more than 1,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Cannabis is one of the most energy-intensive productions industries in the world. The cannabis intel firm New Frontier Group noted that in 2017, cannabis growers in the US used enough electricity to power 1.7 million homes, amounting to about 1 per cent of the entire energy consumption of the United States. 

While no national statistics exist in Canada, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IES0) predicts electricity consumption related to cannabis is projected to increase 1,250 per cent over the next five years in Ontario.

"Being responsible is at the heart of everything we do," says Troy Dezwart, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Freedom Cannabis. "It is our responsibility to recognize our industries impact on the environment and work to do everything we can to minimize it, and lead positive change for all industries" he adds. 

Fast Facts

 ·         The solar array consists of 4,574 solar modules with a maximum capacity of 1,830 kW.

 ·         The system will offset about 1,041 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, supplying about 8 per cent of the building's annual power consumption.

 ·         Based on current demands, the installation is expected to reduce electricity costs by approximately $200,000 - $300,000 annually.

The solar installation is located at Freedom's 126,000 square foot facility in Acheson, 20 kilometres west of Edmonton. It's part of the company's larger commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. The company incorporates water remediation programs in its growing process, with the intention of minimizing waste. 

Freedom also announced it has also become a leader in sustainable cannabis packaging in Canada, become the first company in the country to offer products in 100% recyclable tins.  

"It's more important than ever for businesses to manage their energy footprint, and solar is an important part of that solution," said Jason Atkinson, Director of Energy Solutions, ENMAX. "This solar installation will help reduce operating costs and offset a significant portion of GHG emissions for decades to come."

Freedom is currently focused on growing its first premium crops, which are expected to go to market December 2019.

Freedom Cannabis | www.freedomcannabis.ca