Improving the resource-efficiency and environmental performance of urban-vertical farms through circular-based production methods

There is increasing interest in urban agricultural systems and alternative food systems focusing on shorter supply chains, with urban-vertical farms expanding worldwide.

Nonetheless, many of the urban-vertical farms in place, or those developing, rely heavily upon external material and energy inputs – there is little integration with their surrounding urban infrastructure and material and energy flows in their proximity.

There is a potential for further integration to promote more circular-based approaches, through developing industrial and urban symbiosis.

However, there is a lack of research and knowledge related to applying and assessing symbiotic development for urban food production systems.

The overall aim of this project is to explore and develop more resource-efficient food systems through symbiotic development to promote circular-based production methods in urban areas.

First, the project will identify the potential for more circular use of materials and energy together with stakeholders at all ends of the urban food system.

Second, these potential uses will be assessed from an environmental, economic and social sustainability point of view using life cycle approaches.

Third, the conditions necessary for developing synergies to improve the resource efficiency of urban foods will be reviewed.

The project will develop knowledge demanded by stakeholders and decision-makers in the urban food production sector, and thus results will be put to immediate use.