GHD Selected as Lead Designer of First Net-Zero Plant Protein Facility

GHD has been selected as lead designer of a net-zero plant protein processing facility for Phyto Organix Foods Inc. in Strathmore, Alberta. GHD, working with Bird Construction Inc., will execute the design and construction of the progressive design-build contract. The overall project is valued at approximately CDN$225 million.

The 100,000 square foot facility will be the first net-zero plant protein processing facility in North America. The design will include innovative technology to recycle and reuse water, leverage low emission energy sources and reduce overall energy consumption.

The Phyto Organix project approach and vision aligns with GHD’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and lasting community benefit,” said Jason Haelzle, GHD North America Food and Agribusiness Market Lead. “As we continue to see initiatives to fight climate change, it's exciting to be part of a program embracing its commitment to carbon neutrality that allows the agri-food industry to generate positive impacts for years to come. Our team offers innovative solutions through an integrated approach, making GHD an industry leader in both the agri-food and future energy spaces.

GHD provided project visioning and lifecycle carbon footprint modeling in the early stages of the project and will continue with all detailed design for the balance of the project. The unique progressive design-build approach, managed risk and reduced project planning duration allows expedited execution timelines to position Phyto Organix to get their product to market at an optimal time.

“GHD is a proven leader in design in the agri-food and value-add processing sector. Phyto Organix is pleased to partner with GHD for the design and emissions scope of our new plant protein processing facility, scheduled to be operational in 2024,” said Chris Theal, founder, president and CEO of Phyto Organix.

When complete, the facility will use a proprietary wet fractionation technology to annually process 40,000 metric tonnes of yellow peas, grown near the facility, into soluble and insoluble protein isolates, processed fibre and starch, and high-quality dietary pea hull fibre.

For further information contact:

Jason Haelzle
Market Leader
North America Food and Agribusiness
+1 519 884 0510
Jason.Haelzle@ghd.com