Towards sustainable plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs): from greenhouses to vertical farms

Publication date: 09/09/2019
Extent: 26 pages

Contributions by: Toyoki Kozai, Japan Plant Factory Association, Japan; Yumiko Amagai, Chiba University, Japan; and Eri Hayashi, Japan Plant Factory Association, Japan

Chapter synopsis: Plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) have hitherto proved too costly 
to be economically viable, consuming too much electricity to be considered truly sustainable. However, recent advances are changing this, and the potential advantages of PFALs are making them an attractive option. This chapter discusses the requirements of sustainable plant production systems, exploring the potential and actual benefits of PFALs. The chapter considers the resource consumption, production cost and cost performance associated with current PFALs, as well as methods for reducing resource consumption and production costs. Finally, the chapter examines future challenges of environmentally and economically sustainable plant production for smart PFALs.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0052.06