Sustainable cannabis has the potential to save the world. As it grows, it pulls contaminants out of the soil. After harvest, it can be used as fuel, food or fiber. From hemp textiles to biofuels, building materials to medicine, its versatility is almost unmatched in nature.

Yet despite its stellar attributes, the legal profession has a notorious reputation for being “unsustainable.”it is Cannabis and Tech Today mission, with regenbys, to demonstrate that the cannabis industry can be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and a valuable tool in the global fight against climate change.

To showcase brands embracing these ideals, Cannabis and Technology Today release Sustainable Leadership AwardNow in its second year, these awards are designed to highlight the great work happening in the industry.

Sustainability is possible. Even a small step in the right direction can inspire a chain of followers. The companies featured below are leaders and show that responsible growth is achievable.

The Sustainable Leadership Awards consist of nine categories.This year, there are three categories Cannabis and Technology Today Regennabis did not award winners: SDGs, Social Impact and Event.

While applicants in these categories did well in their respective fields, the Advisory Board did not provide enough data to support their applications.

both Cannabis and Technology Today Regnabis looks forward to receiving more inspiring applications from industry innovators next year.

Energy conservation

The cannabis industry is energy-intensive. Cannabis growers must innovate to reduce energy use and incorporate renewable energy into their practices.With that in mind, the 2021 Sustainable Energy Use Leadership Award goes to California-based glass house brand.

The company began using DYNAGLAS panels in its 350,000-square-foot Padaro greenhouse, reducing energy consumption by 20 percent. Additionally, the company’s Dutch greenhouse design and ideal California location reduce overall environmental impact.

To demonstrate their current energy efficiency and identify areas for improvement, the company commissioned cannabis energy consultancy group Seinergy to conduct research on its business. The consultancy compared Glass House’s energy use to the average greenhouse and indoor cannabis growing operations. The study found that the average indoor planter uses 262 kilowatt-hours (kWh/SF) per square foot of flower. The average greenhouse cultivation uses 134 kWh/SF. Glass House averages 13 kWh/SF.

Glass House Farms, the consumer brand of Glass House Group, was the top-selling flower brand in California in July 2021, according to BDS Analytics. Such a large brand demonstrating such clear and significant energy savings sets a strong example for other industries to follow.

ESG Standards

ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. ESG metrics are often analyzed by investors as non-financial factors that play a role in a company’s opportunity to grow (or fail). These factors are not usually required in financial reporting, but are important considerations in sustainability reporting.

Environmental indicators can include carbon emissions, air and water pollution, energy efficiency and waste management. Social factors can include data privacy, diversity reporting, human rights practices, and labor standards. Governance standards can include reporting on executive compensation, political contributions and lobbying activities.

2021, Green Health Holding merge published its First Annual ESG Report. It is the first industrial hemp company in the U.S. to issue such a report using the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework.

The report looks at economic viability, ecological responsibility and social equity. As North America’s largest USDA-certified CBD farm organic hemp, Green Hygienics Holdings’ commitment to ESG is an important step toward creating a more sustainable hemp industry.

sustainable packaging

diamond packaging Recognized for its commitment to sustainable leadership in packaging. The company’s Greenbox Sustainability Initiative aims to research, design and implement more sustainable packaging solutions for the cannabis industry.

In 2020, 97% of the company’s packaging was made from recycled or recycled cardboard.

Diamond Packaging is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certified. In addition, the company uses wind energy for 100% of its electrical needs.

Beginning in 2021, the company began a multi-year commitment to purchase carbon offsets to keep the company carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 emissions. As of 2014, the company has achieved “zero landfill” status.

The company has also set a series of goals to reduce its energy and water consumption and emissions by 2% annually over the next 10 years.

Diamond Packaging’s continued commitment to making cannabis packaging more environmentally friendly sets a high bar for what every cannabis company should hold.

sustainable management

Recipients of the Sustainable Stewardship Award are expected to demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices that help improve their communities and create a stronger cannabis industry.

overall health (IHH) is helping to create an industry in the Deep South that can withstand changing regulations and become the foundation of the local economy.

Despite the region’s reluctance to embrace medical marijuana, the IHH has partnered with local lawmakers to develop plans to help the cannabis industry survive and thrive in the future.

The company, led by CEO Dr. Chanda Macias, is one of only two cannabis companies in Louisiana. Working with licensing partner Southern University, IHH launched the first THC and CBD products in the state.

Dr. Macias advocated for more treatment options in the state, which now allows inhaled marijuana in addition to tinctures and topical medications. The company is incorporating recyclable packaging and compostable potting materials into its business model, as well as a water reduction strategy.

IHH developed a multi-phase emergency preparedness plan to adapt to the region’s unstable climate. This program enables the company to continue to provide uninterrupted service to patients during Hurricane Ida and Hurricane Delta (except during closures due to mandatory evacuations).

IHH is also identifying new treatment modalities for people with autism spectrum disorder, adding to research around medical marijuana.

Dr. Macias’ work with IHH is creating a more resilient, robust and sustainable cannabis industry.

conserve water

Given the global drought and erratic weather patterns, freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce, and water conservation is a fundamental practice in every sector.

Cannabis cultivation is water-intensive.However, the Resource Innovation Institute reports high cannabis use less water than most major crops.

In the cannabis industry, irrigation and sanitation account for the majority of its annual water use of 2.8 billion gallons. Sanitation facilities, such as rinsing planters and sanitizing equipment, use large volumes of water, which is often discharged into the environment untreated.

Geomat, a water recycling system, is helping curb this waste. Its EPA and OSHA-approved system collects wastewater from the sanitation process and filters it through an aerated storage tank for reuse in the next cleaning process.

The Geomat system can be connected to the sewer after the water has been cleaned, or set up as a closed loop for later use. The Geomat Water case study of an indoor cannabis cultivation facility in Florida provides some strong data.

Of the 35,100 gallons of water used annually to clean and sanitize grow equipment, the company’s Geomat system recycles 31,590 gallons of water for later use.

As regulations around resource use become stricter, water recycling systems can help growers stay ahead of the curve. What’s more, systems like Geomat help protect the planet’s most precious resource for future generations.

sustainable technology innovation

One area that needs innovation in this area is drying and curing.

If you’ve ever visited an artisanal growing facility, you’ve probably been amazed at all the impressive machines, but found yourself stunned when entering the drying room. Plastic storage buckets, basic hangers, glass jars and a rotation of timers – most importantly a robust HVAC system for dehumidification and providing precise temperature control. The process can take weeks or months, depending on the location, and is energy-intensive.

cryotherapy, a cannabis technology company, is offering an innovative alternative.its proprietary technology Freeze-dried flowers within 12-14 hours.

Cryo Cure offers an energy-efficient alternative to drying for weeks in a dehumidified, temperature-controlled environment.

Mold, mildew and degradation can be devastating events during drying, resulting in crop loss. The amount of natural resources wasted due to crop loss is enormous.

The Cryo Cure process is praised by some of the most respected growers in the industry for retaining desirable qualities and delivering a high-quality finished product without the risks associated with traditional drying.

For the global cannabis industry, this type of innovation will save countless kilowatt-hours and other natural resources that might otherwise be wasted on crops that are not properly handled.