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Solar-thermal greenhouses have been widely adopted overseas, particularly in cold-climate regions such as northern China, but their use in Canada remains limited. The challenge is not whether these systems can grow crops year-round, but how they must be adapted to function within Ontario’s regulatory, climatic, and manufacturing context. This project invites students to work with the Cultivation Hub team and municipal partners to carry out a structured technical assessment. The focus is on identifying required modifications, evaluating locally available alternatives, and generating a practical adaptation roadmap for Canadian deployment.
Host Department: Town of Whitby, Office of the CAO
Type of Collaboration: Open to Collaboration Type
Anticipated Outcome: Students will create a technical adaptation framework that can be used to guide future greenhouse construction in Ontario. Students will review and document the modifications required for compliance with local standards - covering structural, electrical, HVAC, and manufacturing systems - and identify locally available materials and design alternatives.
Deliverables: Business Case Development, Systems Mapping, Prototyping
Timeline: 12 months
Desired Start Date: Winter Semester 2026
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