Porta Nova leads the way in eco-friendly flower growing. Famous for their stunning Red Naomi roses, they combine beauty with a strong commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard in floriculture.
At Flowervision Bristol, we’re proud to support growers like Porta Nova who are making significant strides in reducing environmental impact. Here’s a deep dive into what makes Porta Nova a true innovator in sustainable floriculture and why their practices should inspire us all.
Greenhouses Powered by Renewable Energy
Porta Nova’s greenhouses are an amazing use of sustainable innovation. By harnessing 100% renewable energy, they’ve drastically reduced their carbon emissions. The primary energy sources include:
Geothermal Heating: By tapping into the Earth’s natural heat, Porta Nova can maintain optimal growing conditions with minimal energy use. Their innovative Climator System captures excess heat during summer, stores it underground, and reuses it in winter to heat the greenhouses sustainably.
Solar Power: Solar panels generate electricity to power essential operations, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
This dual approach ensures that every rose grown at Porta Nova has a significantly lower carbon footprint.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is a key pillar of Porta Nova’s sustainability model. The greenhouses utilise an innovative closed-loop water management system, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal waste.
Rainwater Harvesting: Massive reservoirs collect and store rainwater, which is then filtered and used to irrigate the roses.
Recycling and Reuse: Any water not absorbed by the plants is recaptured, sterilised and reintroduced into the system, ensuring there’s no wastage. The closed-loop system also prevents deposits from building up in the soil, keeping it healthy and fertile.
This innovative approach reduces water consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional growing methods, which is a critical factor in a world facing increasing water scarcity.
Zero Waste Philosophy
Sustainability isn’t just about using fewer resources – it’s about eliminating waste altogether. Porta Nova is committed to a zero-waste approach, which means:
Composting Organic Waste: Plant material is composted and returned to the soil as a natural fertiliser.
Efficient Packaging: They’ve minimised the use of plastic in their packaging and opt for recyclable materials wherever possible.
Energy Efficiency: The use of LED lighting throughout the greenhouses reduces energy consumption while optimising light levels to promote healthy rose growth.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Porta Nova has embraced a natural approach to pest control, ensuring their roses are grown in harmony with the environment. Instead of relying on synthetic chemicals, they use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques:
Natural Predators: Beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and predatory mites, are introduced to control harmful pests.
Solar Cannon: They’ve implemented a solar cannon with UV-C light technology to effectively target and manage pests while reducing the need for chemicals.
Plant Health Monitoring: Sophisticated systems track the health of the roses, enabling early intervention to prevent infestations.
This method not only protects the environment but also ensures their roses are safe for customers, pollinators, and ecosystems.
Reducing CO₂ with Smart Technology
Porta Nova has made significant investments in carbon dioxide reduction technologies. By carefully managing and recycling CO₂ emissions within the greenhouses, they can ensure optimal plant growth while minimising their impact on the planet. Additionally, their roses are cultivated close to the end market in the Netherlands and transported throughout Europe by truck, avoiding air freight.
Empowering People Through Social Responsibility
Sustainability is not just about the planet—it’s about people too. Porta Nova takes their social responsibilities seriously, creating a positive impact for their employees and local communities:
Ethical Labour Practices: Fair wages, safe working conditions, and ongoing training ensure their staff are supported and valued.
Community Engagement: Porta Nova collaborates with local organisations to invest in education and sustainability projects, empowering communities to thrive.
Why Flowervision Bristol Chooses Porta Nova
Porta Nova demonstrates what’s achievable when sustainability is integrated into every step of flower production. Their commitment extends beyond growing exceptional roses to setting a standard for the future of floriculture.
By choosing Porta Nova roses, florists can support a grower dedicated to responsible and sustainable practices.
At Flowervision Bristol, we’re proud to offer Porta Nova’s roses to florists who value sustainability as much as we do, working together towards a greener, more environmentally conscious industry.
