Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

An engineering research effort at Texas State University launched the summer of 2017 to provide the EverGreen program with adequate photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) through an active optical fiber daylighting (OFD) system for container farming. EverGreen, is a program funded by the USDA to investigate environmentally sustainable indoor agricultural methods. An engineering graduate student and a finance undergraduate student met at a 3DS (3 Day Startup) event where they have consistently worked on all aspects of the spin-out project. The company was formed to break the link between the utilization of non-renewable energy sources for indoor crop lighting.

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Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

This project is structured to support economic growth in the agricultural sector. As the method spreads, farmers will have greater control over their destiny since most environmental variables will not be a factor. There will be an increase in jobs in this industry, enthusiastic tech savvy farmers will boost the health of the community by delivering quality products all while enjoying a profitable business. There will be cheaper models introduced for developing countries to make the method available to as many people as possible. We believe that this project will also support gender diversity since the vertical farming framework has moved agriculture indoors utilizing equipment of smaller form factor ideal for males and females. This is opposed to conventional agriculture that traditionally relies on heavy equipment.

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