December 1, 2022
Commercial Rooftop Greenhouses
Book chapter in Urban and Regional Agriculture: Building Resilient Food Systems, edited by Peter Droege, Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2022
Abstract
Rooftop greenhouses (RTG) have become an iconic symbol for integrating Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in cities and have greatly inspired urban agriculture advocates, architects, and planners. Despite this positive image, few large RTGs have been built, and even fewer successful RG farm operations exist. While built examples have shown how to master technical requirements, it is still challenging to make an economic case for commercial food production on urban rooftops and justifying the high upfront investment for RTGs. This chapter identifies the most significant challenges and opportunities for investing in this innovative, high-tech urban farming typology. It analyzes two of the most successful commercial rooftop greenhouse operations globally – Lufa Farms in Montreal and Gotham Greens, headquartered in New York City. And reviews technical, practical, and legal difficulties for constructing greenhouses on roofs, production systems, distribution models, and financial strategies for raising investment capital and pursuing business expansions. Besides considering these technical, operational, and economic factors, the study identifies typology-specific opportunities to generate additional value, marketing opportunities, environmentally sustainable building performance, and social benefits for urban communities. The chapter reflects how RTGs can be production facilities in cities and provide other services to urban dwellers. It summarizes how commercial rooftop greenhouses can most impactfully contribute to new urban and regional food systems.
Citation
Proksch, G., Ianchenko, A. (2022). Commercial Rooftop Greenhouses: Technical requirements, operational strategies, economic considerations, and future opportunities. In Urban and Regional Agriculture: Building Resilient Food Systems, Peter Droege (Ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
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