A new study has revealed that the growing trend of indoor vertical gardens, popular among homeowners and restaurants for year-round microgreen cultivation, comes with a significant environmental drawback: high energy consumption.
Researchers from Marche Polytechnic University and the University of South Australia found that while these domestic vertical garden systems offer fresh, local produce with zero food miles, they consume an alarming amount of energy.
The study, published in the 2024 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for Living Environment, used smart meters to track the real-time electricity usage of a commercial home cultivator.
The findings show that artificial lighting, crucial for plant growth, accounts for over 50 per cent of the total energy costs when growing red lettuce.
This is five times higher than professional vertical farming setups. Additionally, ventilation and irrigation systems contribute 18 per cent and 9 per cent to the overall power costs, respectively.
Lead author Dr Gianluca Brunetti emphasised the need to manage energy consumption carefully, particularly from artificial lighting and ventilation systems, to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of these systems.
Despite these challenges, the researchers anticipate substantial market growth for indoor vertical gardens over the next decade, aligning with the trend towards more sustainable cities.
Vertical farming is praised for its potential to conserve water, nutrients, labour, and space while enabling year-round crop production and pest protection.
However, the study highlights that manufacturers often downplay the drawbacks of high initial capital costs and energy usage while exaggerating the benefits.
To address these issues, co-author Professor Enzo Lombi suggests transitioning to LED lighting, optimising ventilation efficiency, and enhancing appliance design to significantly reduce energy consumption.
The researchers also propose implementing energy labelling for these devices, similar to other household appliances, to help consumers make informed decisions about their environmental impact.
As the popularity of indoor vertical gardens continues to rise, this study serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of balancing innovation with sustainability in urban agriculture.
