Energy consumption has been a top priority in greenhouse horticulture for years. Growers are looking for ways to reduce their consumption without compromising crop quality. But how do you know if you're getting the most out of it? And how much difference does that single screen moment really make? Svensson developed the Energy Monitor: a practical software tool that gives growers insight into the effect of their screen strategy on energy consumption in the greenhouse. "It helps growers understand: where am I wasting energy and where is there room for improvement?" says Svensson climate expert Paul Arkesteijn.
Svensson is known as a manufacturer of climate screens, but in practice, it's much more than that. Consultants Joris Vermonden and Paul Arkesteijn help growers optimize their greenhouse climate every day: for optimal production, quality, and sustainability. This knowledge is Svensson's distinguishing feature, and they actively share it. "It starts with the question: what do you want to grow, what's your goal, and what's your screening strategy?" explains Vermonden. "If you link that data to your results, you can start optimizing. And that's what we do with the Svensson Energy Monitor."
What is Energy Monitor?
The Svensson Energy Monitor is a user-friendly software tool on the MyLetsGrow platform that links screening behaviour to energy consumption. The tool does this using objective calculation models that are fed daily with climate data from the greenhouse. Vermonden: “The model continuously calculates: what is the actual saving with your current screen settings and how much saving are you missing out on if you had not screened, or if you had set a screen gap?” This provides immediate insight. Arkesteijn: “Growers then see: hey, I saved X m3 of gas this week with my screening strategy. Or: maybe I should have screened a bit earlier.” These kinds of choices can make a big difference, agrees tomato grower Ferry Adegeest (TVA Growers), who has been working with the Svensson Energy Monitor for almost a year: "Sometimes it really comes down to opening or closing fifteen minutes earlier or later. For example, when opening the second energy screen. You're tempted to open it as soon as it gets light, but then it turns out you can leave it closed a bit longer. That results in additional energy savings without compromising your crop."
More than just saving
Although the tool focuses on energy savings, in practice it goes further than that. "The great thing is that growers also gain a better understanding of why they do what they do," says Joris Vermonden. "It's a learning tool that creates awareness." Paul Arkesteijn adds: "We see growers who have really changed the way they look at their strategy thanks to the Energy Monitor. That's precisely the goal: not just saving, but also growing smarter." The latest version also shows the reduced CO2 emissions resulting from the use of climate screens. The feedback from the field has been positive. "They appreciate that it's a practical tool, not an overload of information," says Vermonden. "We often incorporate it into our consultations. Then we examine together how the screen behavior aligns with the cultivation goal."
Partner in knowledge
With the Energy Monitor, Svensson demonstrates its offering beyond just climate screens. "We're a partner in the complete climate process," says Arkesteijn. "Choosing the right screen is the first step. Only then does it begin: how do you use it optimally, tailored to your greenhouse, your crop, and your goals? That's where we help."
Article published in Kas Magazine - 03 - 2025
Text: Patty Varekamp
