Is Your Glasshouse Ready for the Next Heatwave?
How UK growers can protect crops, control costs and future-proof their glasshouses against rising temperatures
The recent UK heatwave has served as a timely reminder of just how important environmental control is for commercial growers and garden centres.
Prolonged periods of high temperature can quickly create challenging growing conditions - increasing the risk of crop stress, reduced plant quality, higher energy consumption and difficult working environments for staff. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, investing in the right glasshouse infrastructure has never been more important.
Building glasshouses that perform in every season
At Ebtech Glasshouse Systems, we work with growers across the UK to create environments that perform whatever the season brings. Whether you're upgrading an existing facility or planning a new project, our solutions are designed to improve efficiency, protect crops and maintain optimum growing conditions all year round.
Intelligent Screening System
Our intelligent screening systems are designed to maximise crop performance while reducing energy consumption and creating the ideal growing environment throughout the year. By integrating advanced climate control technology with high-quality screen materials, we deliver solutions tailored to the specific needs of each greenhouse
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Energy Saving Screens vs Shade Screens
Energy Saving Screens are primarily designed to retain heat within the greenhouse during cooler periods. By reducing heat loss through the roof, they lower heating costs, improve energy efficiency, and help maintain a stable growing climate. These screens can significantly reduce energy consumption while also minimising condensation when used as part of a well-managed climate strategy.
Shade Screens, on the other hand, are designed to control light levels and reduce solar radiation during periods of high sunlight. They help prevent crop stress, reduce leaf scorch, and maintain optimal temperatures, creating a more comfortable environment for both plants and greenhouse staff. Many modern shade screens also offer varying degrees of light diffusion to improve crop uniformity.
For many growers, a combination of energy-saving and shade screens provides year-round climate control, delivering improved crop quality, reduced operating costs, and greater environmental sustainability.
Premium Screen Materials
To ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability, we work with leading screen cloth manufacturers, including Svensson, Phormium, and Ridder. Their innovative screen materials offer proven performance in energy conservation, light management, humidity control, and crop optimisation, allowing us to specify the ideal solution for every greenhouse application.
Whether installing a new screening system or upgrading an existing one, our experienced team provides expert design, installation, and commissioning to ensure your greenhouse achieves maximum efficiency and long-term performance.
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Composite Panelling
Improve insulation and maintain a more consistent indoor temperature. Our composite panelling creates energy-efficient service buildings, packhouses and growing facilities that stay cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and more comfortable for staff all year round.
Working in partnership with WNL Horti Insulation, we supply and install insulated panel systems engineered to deliver excellent thermal performance, longevity, and a professional finish.
Insulated panels are available in thicknesses ranging from 40mm to 160mm, allowing each building to be tailored to its intended use, from seasonal workspaces to fully insulated retail or production facilities. To maximise natural daylight, clear roof lights can be incorporated into the design, creating bright, welcoming interiors while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Our insulated building solutions are ideal for:
- Garden centre retail spaces
- Plant sales and display areas
- Potting and production facilities
- Workshops and storage buildings
- Packing and dispatch areas
- Staff welfare and office accommodation
We also specialise in converting existing growing glasshouses into modern retail or commercial spaces, transforming underutilised structures into attractive, energy-efficient environments. This is an ideal solution for garden centres looking to expand their retail offering without the cost of constructing a completely new building.
Environmental Control Systems
Working with leading environmental control providers including Priva, Hoogendoorn, Ridder, Tomtech, and Heron Environmental Control Systems, we deliver intelligent automation solutions tailored to your greenhouse requirements. These advanced climate control systems continuously monitor and manage key growing parameters including temperature, humidity, ventilation, heating, irrigation, lighting, CO₂ dosing, and screening, ensuring optimal growing conditions throughout the year.
By integrating the latest control technology, growers benefit from improved crop quality, greater energy efficiency, reduced labour requirements, and precise climate management, providing consistent, reliable performance and maximising productivity across all horticultural applications.
Smart Irrigation Systems
From small nurseries to large-scale commercial operations, we provide expert guidance to ensure your crops receive the optimal watering solution.
We offer a full range of irrigation systems, including:
- Rain Water Harvesting- collecting, storing, and reusing rainwater from greenhouse roofs to provide a sustainable and cost-effective water supply for irrigation.
- Drip Irrigation with pressure-compensating nozzles – ideal for suspended crops and salad production
- Overhead Spray Lines with drainage prevention – a cost-effective, versatile option
- Fogging – is a method of watering plants by releasing a fine mist or fog of water into the air. This increases humidity and provides gentle, even moisture to plants—ideal for sensitive crops, young seedlings, or climate-controlled environments like greenhouses.
- Bench Misting Systems – perfect for propagation areas
- Boom Irrigation – commonly used for bedding plants on benches or floors
- Ebb & Flood Systems – typically integrated with container benching
- Outdoor Sprinklers – for open-field growing areas
- Suspended Gutter Irrigation Systems – for efficient space utilisation
All systems can be paired with our advanced irrigation controllers for precise, automated water management, improving both efficiency and ease of use. We also account for critical components such as filtration, fertilisation, and system control in every design.
Preparing for what comes next
The recent hot weather won't be the last period of extreme temperature UK growers experience. Taking action now — before the next heatwave or cold snap arrives — can help ensure your glasshouse is ready for whatever the next season brings.
