Over the past few weeks, we have been immersed in organizing and conducting our on-site sessions, which starter at the end of March. In total, four sessions are being held across the partner countries of our Interreg project CUF Training : France, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg.
The most recent two sessions, in Germany and Luxembourg, delved into two pivotal pillars of urban agriculture: construction and energy.
These topics are central to circular urban agriculture, encompassing a wide array of subjects. In today's newsletter, we aim to shed light on these themes by providing key insights and information pertinent to urban agriculture.
Through real-life examples and innovative projects developped through our last Interreg project GROOF, we explore how urban farming infrastructures can be designed to be low-energy and sustainable, while responding to urban challenges.
The interconnections between farming and building design
Urban agriculture often
calls for highly specific technical solutions, especially when implemented on
rooftops or with lightweight structures. Projects must be deeply integrated
into the urban fabric, sometimes in unconventional places like rooftops, brownfields,
or parking lots. This requires close collaboration with construction
professionals: architects, structural engineers, thermal consultants, and more.
The challenge? Balancing building regulations, thermal performance, and
agricultural needs.
In the evolving
landscape of urban agriculture, the integration of innovative construction
techniques and energy-efficient systems is paramount. These elements not only
enhance sustainability but also optimize resource utilization in densely
populated areas.
The symbiosis of buildings and greenhouses
Rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) exemplify the harmonious fusion of architecture and agriculture. By situating greenhouses on top of existing structures, several benefits emerge:
- Energy efficiency: utilizing waste heat from the building
below can significantly reduce the greenhouse's energy requirements.
For instance, the GROOF project's greenhouse in Bettembourg captures waste heat from the underlying canteen and adjoining classrooms, enhancing its environmental performance. - Resource optimization: RTGs can harness rainwater for irrigation, decreasing reliance on municipal water sources.
- Carbon footprint reduction: by localizing food production, RTGs diminish CO₂ emissions associated with transportation and distribution.
Another notable example is BIGH, the farm of the Abattoir in Anderlecht, in Belgium. Established in 2018, this 12,000 m² rooftop farm integrates a 1,400 m² greenhouse and a 500 m² aquaponics system. The facility emphasizes reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions while promoting local food production.
Design considerations for RTGs
When planning an RTG, several factors are crucial:
- Structural integrity: assessing the load-bearing capacity of the existing building ensures it can support the additional weight of a greenhouse.
- Accessibility: ensuring safe and efficient access for personnel and materials is vital for ongoing operations.
- Climate management: implementing systems to regulate temperature, humidity, and ventilation optimizes plant growth and energy use.
Harnessing energy efficiency in urban
greenhouses
As you may imagine, energy consumption is a critical consideration in the design and operation of urban greenhouses. The GROOF project has identified several strategies to enhance energy efficiency:
- Waste heat recovery : as mentionned above, integrating greenhouses with existing buildings allows for the utilization of waste heat generated by the building's operations. This synergy reduces the need for additional heating within the greenhouse, leading to significant energy savings.
- Optimized ventilation systems :implementing advanced ventilation systems helps maintain optimal growing conditions while minimizing energy use. These systems can adjust airflow based on real-time environmental data, ensuring efficient climate control.
- Thermal screens and insulation : using thermal screens during night-time or colder periods helps retain heat within the greenhouse. Additionally, proper insulation of the greenhouse structure minimizes heat loss, further conserving energy.
- Energy-efficient lighting : employing LED lighting systems tailored to plant needs reduces electricity consumption compared to traditional lighting. These systems can be programmed to provide optimal light spectra and durations, enhancing plant growth while conserving energy.
- Renewable energy integration : incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can supply a portion of the greenhouse's energy requirements. This approach not only reduces reliance on non-renewable energy but also lowers operational costs over time.
Let us show you an inspiring example developed during the GROOF project, where EBF partner built a “solar-plus” rooftop greenhouse, focused on minimum energy demand combined with a photovoltaic shading system !
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Remember, all our
guidelines concerning rooftop greenhouses are still available on our
website : Guidelines | Groof !