The Edge Magazine Vol. 8

WHY URBAN FARMS MAY CONTINUE TO GROW Although some vertical system technologies are still nascent and require considerable capital investment, the potential upside and benefits may continue to draw more attention from building investors and operators around the world. Commercial building benefits. Experts propound that urban farming lowers the carbon footprint of a building by making it greener and more sustainable, helping investors achieve their ESG goals. Integrating agricultural production into building design, for example, can help reduce building energy demands by providing additional insulation to buildings, leading to 1-15% in energy savings . According to the National Research Council Canada, a simple storefront hydroponic vertical garden in a multistory building was found to decrease energy consumption by reducing the need for cooling by 23%. Beyond ESG benefits, real estate owners can achieve greater economic outcomes as green buildings generally command higher rents (see our series Green is Good ). Tenants too can benefit by occupying these kind of facilities, satisfying their own ESG commitments and demonstrating that commitment to employees who want to work for good stewards of the environment. Environmental and health benefits. Like other urban green spaces, urban farms contribute to microclimatic effects that help regulate city temperatures, provide sound insulation and purify the air . Vegetation absorbs and retains rainwater runoff, as well. Several studies have reported the enormous positive impact that these green urban pockets have on human health by reducing stress and cardiovascular diseases. Community benefits. Urban farming, advocates say, can enhance social cohesion in communities. While less so for commercial operations, community urban farms often incorporate educational- or community-led programs allow for individuals to participate in harvesting their own produce. Alternatively, Community-Support Agriculture (CSA), which involves consumers supporting a local farm and sharing operational costs, is increasingly acknowledged throughout Europe as a more sustainable food production system and has been found to save consumers between 27-72% compared to retail values. Economic benefits. By incorporating food cultivation into the building environment and community, experts suggest we effectively integrate more circular economy practices in our food supply chains while also creating green jobs and educational programs and upskilling employees. Urban agriculture has the potential to stimulate a green economy by attracting professionals such as farmers, engineers, technicians and scientists. It also provides opportunities for local food processing while contributing to a high quality and sustainable service economy.

Hydroponics, Aeroponics and Aquaponics—what’s the difference? All three of these technologies are soilless, but differ in technique:

HYDROPONICS grows plants suspended in water

AEROPONICS grows plants suspended in air

AQUAPONICS is a unique combination of hydroponics and fish farming in an integrated system

12 THE EDGE