Why some vertical farms are choosing green energy (and why more should do it too)

Vertical farms boast of sustainable harvesting methods, but how eco-friendly are they really?

By Carlota Pano

Farming in urban areas is the newest fad in agriculture. With higher-quality yields that are grown locally, water-saving and pesticide-free, vertical farming could well provide the million-pound answer to the rising demand for food from a growing population.

Credit: Wikimedia Common

iFarm vertical farm in Finland received $4 million (£2.9 million) funding last year.

Yet, for all their green fame, vertical farms use controlled environmental agriculture, a system which is energy intensive. Artificial lighting, dehumidifiers and temperature regulators add to the total electric cost, which in most cases, is fossil-fuel sourced. Indoor harvesting emits more carbon dioxide to use less sunlight, chemicals and land.

Credit: Hippopx

A vertically farmed Romaine lettuce takes 65.26kWh/month of electricity by using LEDs, heat pumps, and air conditioning.

Credit: Hippopx

A vertically farmed strawberry takes 117.10 kWh/month of electricity by using LEDs, air conditioning and humidifiers.

Renewable energy champions Octopus Energy and Arcadia Power present themselves as a solution through green tariffs and solar panel offers. Though trial research by scientists at biotech company, Back of the Yards Algae Science, suggests that the humble algae could produce quicker results than traditional electric deals.

Credit: Rubymew via Pixabay

Vertically farmed plant under review in a lab.

Looking into a spirulina extract, researchers found how this small algae extract sparked growth in vertically farmed lettuce. This natural booster saved energy use by cutting harvest time, without any carbon-consuming energy involved.

If vertical farms are to become the green form of agriculture, they might need to start their work from within.