Are greenhouses environmentally sustainable?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Modern greenhouses obtain superior environmental sustainability from integrated eco-technologies, not possible from either field crop or horticultural farming. Resource consumption is decreased while productivity is increased significantly through the use of biomass fuels instead of fossil fuels for energy, closure of the water cycle, and design efficiencies, which offer a reduction in the carbon footprint of 50-70% compared to conventional agri-business.
Renewable Energy Integration
- Solar PV systems power lighting and control systems
- Geothermal heating uses stable earth temperatures
- Biomass boilers convert agricultural waste to energy
- Wind turbines supplement power needs sustainably
Water Conservation Systems
- Closed-loop irrigation recycles 90-95% of water
- Condensation capture systems reuse transpired moisture
- Precision drip irrigation targets root zones directly
- Rainwater harvesting collects natural precipitation
Carbon Footprint Reduction
- CO2 capture from industrial processes for enrichment
- Electric transport systems replace diesel equipment
- Bio-based construction materials replace plastics
- Reflective surfaces maximize natural light penetration
Water conservation systems allow for closed-loop sustainability. By capturing condensation from the sky, 100% of the moisture transpired by trees is recycled. Additionally, rainwater harvesting is used to provide the natural irrigation needs of other plants. Drip systems provide moisture directly to the root systems at 95% effectiveness. These methods reduce freshwater demands by 90% compared to traditional field agriculture.
There are many innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint. Solar panels generate clean electricity for the building's climate control systems. Geothermal systems supply heat with no combustion emissions. CO2 capture technology used in the capture of CO2 from industrial processes replaces the gas produced from burning fossil fuel sources. These powerful integrations enable carbon-neutral or carbon-negative operations.
Sustainable materials improve performance in terms of environmental impact. Recycled structural materials replace virgin steel and plastic. Biodegradable growing media eliminate the need for peat harvesting. Reflective ground covers maximize the penetration of natural light. These choices can reduce embodied energy in greenhouse construction by 40-60%.
Integrated biological systems close the gap in the sustainability cycle. Beneficial insects control pests without chemicals. Plant waste is converted into compost or biofuel feedstock. Aquaponics is the combination of fish farming and hydroponics, which involves plant nutrition. This circular technique closes waste streams and increases productivity.
Read the full article: Greenhouse Climate Control: Growth & Efficiency
