Sustainability in vertical farming across scales – from crop to city

In future cities, indoor vertical farms may play a key role in growing fresh greens and some fruit crops. These systems use electric rather than solar light, requiring much energy. However, they are highly efficient in the use of land, water and nutrients, and in principle no pesticides need to be applied. In my research, I applied various methods to assess vertical farm sustainability at crop-, farm-, and city-scale: I conducted trials on plant spacing and far-red lighting for tomatoes, achieving improved crop yield and quality. I also calculated and discussed carbon footprints of vertical farms, emphasizing the need for clean energy. Finally, I gathered expert views on urban farming’s sustainability and potential, showing that perceived environmental benefits drive the expansion of vertical farms.