Innovative climate screens help reduce rising energy costs in greenhouses, says experts

A recent forecast has predicted that energy prices could rise by a further 16% in January 2027, adding to the financial pressures that businesses across the UK are already feeling.

In particular, rising costs are putting strain on energy dependant sectors such as horticulture, where energy bills for heating and lighting can reach eye watering figures for many growers.

Now, commercial greenhouse specialists, Bridge Greenhouses, are highlighting the innovative investments growers are making to reduce their energy consumption and minimise the impact of energy price rises.

“Clear climate screens offer a practical way to improve energy efficiency whilst maintaining excellent growing conditions. By helping retain and regulate warmth, the need for heating and ventilation are reduced” says David Summerfield, Director of Bridge Greenhouses.

Standard thermal shade screens use alternating strips of shading material and clear film to limit light transmission and heat loss. Using them during winter daylight hours can restrict essential natural light, meaning screens are often left open during cold days despite rising heating bills. In contrast, clear energy screens use transparent films designed for high light transmission, allowing growers to keep them closed during peak daylight hours in winter to maximise energy saving without sacrificing plant growth.

High quality clear screen fabrics allow effective moisture movement through the cloth to prevent high humidity beneath the screen. Regulating moisture reduces condensation and minimises the need for gapping, which lets valuable heat escape. Maintaining a stable environment supports crop health while protecting against fungal diseases, improving overall energy efficiency and crop quality.

While clear screens achieve around 47% energy savings on heat transmission through the roof, commercial trials show that adding clear screens yields an overall annual energy saving of approximately 17%.

Unlike households, UK businesses are not protected by Ofgem’s domestic energy price cap, leaving commercial facilities exposed to rising costs for gas and electricity.

Depending on fuel tariffs and baseline usage, the cost of the clear energy screens can be recovered in as little as one year through reduced energy costs.

“Clear energy screens offer a practical way to improve energy efficiency without compromising the growing environment. Retaining warmth and regulating internal climate conditions allows plants to remain healthy whilst saving thousands on heating costs” states David.

Bridge Greenhouses installs screen systems in new structures and retrofits existing glasshouses. They specialise in adding second and third screens to existing setups, combining clear energy screens with shade or blackout fabrics for year-round climate control.

Founded in 1983, Bridge Greenhouses has been at the forefront of the UK glasshouse sector for four decades, with extensive experience in constructing commercial greenhouses and installing environmental control technology.

In addition to erecting greenhouses, Bridge supplies and installs screens, lighting, heating and other control technology, helping growers extend their growing seasons and maintain ideal conditions year-round.

“Combining our horticultural experience with products from innovative manufacturers like Svensson we help growers get the most from their greenhouses, whether its optimising growing conditions or reducing their dependency on fluctuating energy prices” concludes David.