The potential of urban vertical farms in reducing food miles and promoting local food systems.
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The Potential of Urban Vertical Farms in Reducing Food Miles and Promoting Local Food Systems
Introduction to Urban Vertical Farming
Urban vertical farming (VF) is an innovative agricultural approach that involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often integrated into urban buildings. This method addresses the challenges of food security, environmental sustainability, and the inefficiencies of traditional agriculture, particularly in densely populated urban areas1 4 7.
Reducing Food Miles and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One of the primary benefits of urban vertical farms is the significant reduction in "food miles"—the distance food travels from production to consumer. Traditional agriculture often involves transporting food over long distances, contributing to high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Vertical farming, by producing food within urban areas, minimizes these transportation needs, thereby reducing associated CO2 emissions1 3 6. Studies have shown that integrating vertical farms with urban energy systems can further enhance their environmental performance, reducing GHG emissions by up to 40%6.
Promoting Local Food Systems
Vertical farming supports local food systems by enabling cities to produce their own food, thus enhancing food security and reducing dependency on external food sources. This local production can help manage higher levels of domestic demand and mitigate the risks associated with food supply disruptions1 8. For instance, Singapore has made significant strides in vertical farming, leveraging high-tech systems to produce food efficiently within its limited urban space8.
Technological Advancements in Vertical Farming
Recent advancements in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technologies, such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, have made vertical farming more viable and efficient. These technologies allow for high-yield food production with minimal resource use, making vertical farms suitable for urban environments where land is scarce and expensive1 4 7. However, the energy efficiency of these systems, particularly regarding artificial lighting, remains a critical area for improvement3.
Economic and Policy Considerations
While vertical farming offers numerous environmental and social benefits, its economic feasibility and integration into urban planning pose challenges. The high initial costs, regulatory hurdles, and lack of expertise are significant obstacles to widespread adoption1 2 7. Policymakers need to consider these factors and develop supportive frameworks to facilitate the up-scaling of vertical farming2 7.
Conclusion
Urban vertical farming presents a promising solution to the challenges of food security, environmental sustainability, and the inefficiencies of traditional agriculture. By reducing food miles and promoting local food systems, vertical farms can significantly lower GHG emissions and enhance urban resilience. However, for vertical farming to reach its full potential, further advancements in technology, supportive policies, and economic feasibility must be addressed.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Vertical Farm: A Review of Developments and Implications for the Vertical City
Advances in greenhouse technologies show promise for vertical farms, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions to urban food security and climate change.
Highly CitedPlanning for sustainable urban food systems: an analysis of the up-scaling potential of vertical farming
Vertical farming can contribute to urban sustainability and climate mitigation when integrated into urban-level systemic food planning.
A Systematic Literature Review on Controlled-Environment Agriculture: How Vertical Farms and Greenhouses Can Influence the Sustainability and Footprint of Urban Microclimate with Local Food Production
Vertical farms and greenhouses can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and urban food waste, but require further energy efficiency improvements for large-scale implementation.
Literature ReviewUrban Agriculture and Vertical Farming
Vertical farming can significantly reduce ecological footprint and ensure sustainable food production while maintaining a stable supply of fresh produce in urban environments.
Future food-production systems: vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture
Urban vertical farming, using technology and automation, can potentially increase productivity and reduce environmental footprint while maintaining biosecurity, pest resistance, and reduced transportation and fossil fuel use.
Highly CitedEstimating the Potential of Building Integration and Regional Synergies to Improve the Environmental Performance of Urban Vertical Farming
Integrating urban farms with buildings and using residual material and energy streams can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environmental performance of urban vertical farms.
Integrating vertical farming at scale in urban food planning
Integrating Vertical Farming into urban food planning can reduce resource intensity and contribute to reducing the impact of food systems on climate change.
Vertical Farming: An Assessment of Singapore City
Singapore is making significant strides in vertical farming, using high-tech, high-yielding farms in high-rise buildings to overcome land scarcity and food insecurity, while managing rapid urbanisation.
Urban Vertical Farming: A Review
Urban Vertical Farming offers high food production, sustainability, and global food security while reducing land and space requirements in urban areas.
Testing the environmental performance of urban agriculture as a food supply in northern climates
Urban agriculture in northern cities may not be optimal for improving environmental performance due to high energy inputs and inefficient use of production inputs.
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