The owners of the Brant Colony hope to make its egg laying barn energy neutral.
Producer.com says that 410-foot by 80-foot structure was constructed with energy efficiency in mind. For instance, the concrete base is farther below ground than traditional egg-laying barns and the sides of the concrete structure are insulated to retain heat and avoid cracking. The studs are two by eight instead of two by six, which also helps in energy conservation. The Brant Colony is outfitted with high efficiency fans and lights. The company is working with a grant from Egg Farmers of Alberta.
John Linhoss, an animal environment specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said that improving the efficiency of radiant heaters by just 5 percent across the United States would save about 20 million gallons of propane annually, which would total about $30 million.