New fossil-free greenhouse for Koppert Cress, Collaboration as a foundation

Category: Why of Horticulture

With the commissioning of a new, state-of-the-art greenhouse, Koppert Cress is once again taking a major step forward in fossil-free cultivation. The greenhouse, where specialty products are grown, was developed in collaboration with various partners.

The result is an integrated energy system that intelligently combines technologies focused on insulation, climate, heat, and CO₂. With this new greenhouse and the recent connection to geothermal energy, Koppert Cress is strengthening its position as a pioneer in future-proof, sustainable greenhouse horticulture.

Fossil-free as a conscious choice

The new greenhouse is in line with the ambition set out in the covenant between greenhouse horticulture and the government to achieve fossil-free cultivation by 2040. The greenhouse supports extremely stable and precisely controlled cultivation, with a focus on quality, uniformity, and continuity.

Stijn Baan, director of Koppert Cress: “For us, sustainability is not a project, but a direction. This greenhouse shows that with a clear vision, cooperation, and courage, you can take steps that make sense both ecologically and economically. Fossil-free cultivation requires choices that you make today, with an eye to tomorrow.”

Collaboration as a foundation

The development of the greenhouse is the result of intensive collaboration between Koppert Cress, Division Q, and a broad network of technology suppliers, construction partners, knowledge institutions, and government agencies in the Westland region.

Bart van Meurs, director of Division Q: “Our role was to make Koppert Cress' ambitions technically and practically feasible. Not by stacking separate solutions, but by designing a single integrated system together with all partners.”

One greenhouse, one integrated system

The greenhouse, covering approximately 1.2 hectares, has been designed as a coherent whole. Some of the innovations are still under development or validation. Through continuous testing and adjustment, the greenhouse remains in line with the objective: maximum energy savings and minimum emissions. The concept includes:

  • Low-E glass for structural heat reduction
  • Use of drones for mechanical crop protection
  • Airflow floor system for heating, dehumidification, and air movement
  • Insulated facades for maximum energy efficiency
  • Low-grade heat, suitable for geothermal energy
  • Direct Air Capture for CO₂ from outside air

Stijn Baan: "The realization of this sustainable greenhouse full of innovations can only be achieved through good cooperation. Our thanks go to all partners, customers, and teams involved who have contributed to this result with their knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm. In no particular order: Division Q (innovations), Vyverberg (construction supervision), Kubo Group (greenhouse), AGC (glass), Peter Dekker Installaties (screen), Baatje Grondverzet (groundwork), Anexo (facilities), Verkade Beton (concrete work), Certhon (heating, electrical engineering), PB (water technology, lighting), Oreon (lighting), Erfgoed (cultivation floor), Skytree (sustainable CO2 supply), De Rijke (technical engineering), Bransen Group (horticulture), Pats (mechanical crop protection), and Quantified (sensor technology). Together, we will continue to work on innovative solutions and a sustainable future for gastronomy and the food chain."

Related articles

Also interesting