How to Green the Horse Barn

Everyone everywhere is finding ways to go green and for horse owners that includes the barn. After all going green should mean going lean on the pocketbook no matter whether its an ecohome or a hayshed. Trendy or basic the goal is the same lower greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from cost savings.
Directly or indirectly everything from a backyard stable to a show barn is a huge energy consumer with a hefty carbon footprint. Almost everything needed to run a barn comes from somewhere else starting with the most fundamental feed and bedding. Hay grains straw and shavings are trucked from prime agricultural regions. Supplies equipment trucks trailers machinery tack blankets clothing and accessories are all transported from elsewhere with fuel costs so daunting that long distance haulers are implementing surcharges. 

Like all sectors of the Canadian economy though the equestrian industry is being swept up in a profound revolution to change the way we do business and how we enjoy our horses. Never before have people been so environmentally aware of the impact contemporary living has had on the health of the planet. Many want to do their part to lighten their carbon footprint and horse owners are no different. After all many are already close to the natural world and greening the barn helps to give back to the planet that much more. The best thing is that it isnt hard.
Getting started
Get started with a simple energy analysis. How much energy does your barn use? Try putting together an inventory of all the ways that your barn consumes power. Include lighting heating fans power tools water pumps and any other kinds of equipment that use fuels. Then explore ways to reduce energy consumption for each one. Keep your plans practical by setting out a timeline for things that you can do right away things to do within six or twelve months and those that require longterm planning and investment.
Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. According to manufacturers guidelines a 13 watt compact fluorescent bulb CFL gives the equivalent power of a 60 watt soft white incandescent bulb and lasts eight times longer with a lifespan of 8000 hours. A 26 watt CFB gives the equivalent power of a 100 watt soft white incandescent bulb and lasts ten times longer with a lifespan of 8000 hours You may want to start with something as simple as