In order to achieve the best results in a greenhouse, it's crucial to replicate ideal climate conditions. In doing this, understanding what the actual climate looks like is essential, and while intuition can be misleading, data never lies. Johan van Erven, who has been active in the climate control industry for many years, noticed that reliable climate data was often missing in the advice provided for greenhouse construction and cultivation strategies. With his new company, JvE Advice, he is hoping to change that. Through the Climate-Data.info service, he offers global climate data at a GPS level, with historical data going back ten years.
"I've been in the screening business for quite some time now," Johan says. "And when it comes to consulting, I kept running into the same problem: it was nearly impossible to find reliable, accurate climate data for the locations where the crops are actually grown. That's what pushed me to dive deeper into the issue."
© Climate-Data.info
Johan van Erven
Climate data at GPS level
With Climate-Data.info, Johan retrieves a comprehensive climate profile for any desired location worldwide, based on a decade of weather data. "Investors, greenhouse builders, and climate control installers can base their advice on this," Johan explains. "If there's not enough light, a lighting supplier will offer their lamps. If there's too much light, the climate control installer will know what to do."
The data is versatile and often provides surprising insights. "A grower who has been in a particular region their whole life doesn't need much convincing. But, for example, I was involved in a project in Texas where everyone thought, 'It's very hot, just a sunshade will do.' But based on the data, we concluded that energy could and should be saved."
© Climate-Data.info
From data to greenhouse strategy
The strength of Climate-Data.info lies in translating raw data into practical greenhouse applications. The reports provide insights into solar radiation (DLI, PAR light), temperature, humidity, cloud cover, wind speed, and wind direction—important for the orientation of a greenhouse.
"For instance, you can see how many clear days you have in June at a specific location. If you have many sunny days, a diffuse greenhouse cover is attractive. With lots of cloud cover, you wouldn't choose that."
Humidity also plays a significant role. "For tomatoes, the optimal humidity is between 60 and 70 percent. If you're well below that, you need a misting system. If you're consistently above, you should consider dehumidifying systems." 
© Climate-Data.info
© Climate-Data.info
120 crops, hundreds of parameters
Johan doesn't stop at raw numbers. He developed an extensive database with climate data linked to the ideal growing conditions of 120 common greenhouse crops. For each crop, the database includes optimal day and night temperatures, humidity, light intensity, and CO₂ levels. Think of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, basil, chrysanthemums, or cannabis - there's a climate profile available for each crop.
"If someone says, 'I want to grow tomatoes at location X,' I generate a Climate-data report that includes graphs with the climate data for that location, alongside the ideal parameters for tomatoes. The customer can immediately see if it fits."
For more information:
Johan van Erven
JvE Advice
Tel.: +31 6 5335 2477
info@jve-advice.com
www.climate-data.info