by Timothy Pierce

New Jersey is establishing itself as a leader in the clean energy sector by offering programs that help those within New Jersey save energy, money, and the environment. For those looking to venture into the cannabis industry, particularly as Class 1 Cultivators or Class 2 Manufacturers, the state's position on clean energy can offer substantial benefits.

New Jersey's Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) promotes energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy, including solar and wind. For cannabis cultivators and manufacturers, NJCEP’s energy efficiency programs offer dual benefits: reduced operational costs and a more sustainable business model. NJCEP’s financial incentive programs for new construction and gut-renovation projects can be particularly helpful for those in the cannabis industry.

Programs 

Programs are available to address the whole building’s energy efficiency or a bundle of specific measures. There is a large outreach team that can walk each project through their best-fit pathway to savings and support the overall process of receiving the financial incentives. In the coming year, the programs will merge into a single New Construction Program to simplify the process further. The largest savings are through the whole building options where simulated computer models for planned buildings allow their final design to perform better than a minimally code-compliant building.

The prescriptive program pathway provides the opportunity for fixed and savings-based incentives for selecting energy-efficient equipment for building systems in new construction and substantial renovation projects. For cannabis manufacturers, this includes custom projects that optimize energy use in their facilities. By taking advantage of these incentives, manufacturers can reduce their energy consumption, lower their utility bills, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Other programs available through NJCEP that may benefit cannabis business owners include the Large Energy Users Program, Commercial Energy and Water Benchmarking program, and Combined Heat and Power/Fuel Cells Program. In addition, cannabis business owners can apply for financial incentives for prescriptive and/or custom energy efficiency measures from New Jersey’s public electric and gas utility companies.       

New Jersey's energy efficiency programs provide a valuable framework for cannabis cultivators and manufacturers to enhance their operations. By taking advantage of the available incentives and programs, these businesses can lead the way in sustainable practices within the cannabis industry, contributing to a greener and more prosperous New Jersey. With support from NJCEP and New Jersey’s utility companies, cannabis businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping a more environmentally friendly and economically sound future for the state.

Benefits for Cultivators and Manufacturers

The energy demands of indoor cannabis cultivation are substantial, with lighting, climate control, and irrigation systems consuming large amounts of electricity. By leveraging NJCEP's and utility programs, cultivators can implement energy-efficient technologies that reduce operational costs.

The manufacturing process can be energy-intensive, particularly when it involves extraction, processing, and packaging. Implementing energy-efficient equipment and processes can lead to significant cost reductions and a smaller environmental footprint.