[Press Release] Addressing cannabis industry’s carbon problem

CANOGA PARK, Calif.—Indoor cultivation of cannabis consumes tremendous amounts of electricity and causes high greenhouse gas emissions. California Lightworks, an LED manufacturer, says the cannabis industry can increase yields, decrease costs, and reduce climate impact by using its MegaDrive technology. 

Industry uptake of new LED technology caused average energy consumption of indoor grows to decline by more than 20 percent between 2018 and 2020. Cannabis Reporter cites the Environmental Protection Agency that LED technologies “offer the potential for cutting general lighting energy use nearly in half by 2030.” 

“California Lightworks is committed to addressing climate change and the issues resulting from outdated technology,” said George Mekhtarian, CEO of California Lightworks. “Our MegaDrive technology helps reduce the costs, increase the yields and help cultivators reduce the heat generated in their facilities.  ”

California Lightworks’ MegaDrive technology increases the mass, both in terms of grams per square foot and grams per watt, and quality of yielded crops. The advanced LED technology reduces fixture costs by up to 30% and installation costs by up to 80%. And, the benefits come at a 50% lower operating cost than traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting systems. 

“By reducing the amount of energy needed to cultivate, we’ve made great impact. But further, because of the reduction in heat generated, we have decreased the need for climate control within the facility, so you are compounding the benefit to the environment,” added Mekhtarian. “The upfront costs for long-term gains are not only better for growers, this is better for our planet. Since 2010, we have sold over 100,000 LED grow light fixtures and in our estimation these fixtures have reduced electricity usage by about 657,000 Mega Watt-Hours compared to older HID lights.  That’s equivalent to the removal of 465,600 Metric Tons of CO2 from our atmosphere!”

Mekhtarian says his company is expanding its philanthropic activities as well to help make a positive impact on the environment. 

“We are happy to see our technology have a positive impact on our climate and environment. Innovation brings about improvement in our environment,” said Mekhtarian. “We are not only doing this through our business, but we are doing it through charitable work too and will be announcing more on that in the near future.”

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About California Lightworks

Since 2008 California Lightworks has been a pioneer in advanced technology LED lighting for horticulture. All products are designed, manufactured and supported in our Southern California factory and we stand behind every product we have ever made. From small scale home grow to large scale indoor and greenhouse applications, we offer optimal lighting solutions.