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Dynamic Energy Optimization and Lighting Flexibility Classification for Sustainable Vertical Farming: A
Chrysovalantis Ketikidis1, Petros Dallas1, Aristotelis Triantafyllidis1
1CPERI, Ethniko Kentro Ereunas & Technologikes Anaptyxes, Ptolemaida,, Dytiki Makedonia, 50200, Greece.
Open Research Europe
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Vertical farming in Greece shows a carbon footprint of 3.67kg CO2 per kg of lettuce, outperforming traditional methods. Simulation-based design can optimize energy use and sustainability for controlled-environment agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Controlled-environment agriculture
- Sustainable food production
- Energy systems analysis
Background:
- Vertical farming presents a sustainable food production solution for urban and climate-limited areas.
- High energy consumption in vertical farms poses sustainability challenges.
- Mediterranean regions face unique challenges for vertical farming due to seasonal climate variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance and carbon footprint of a pilot vertical farming unit in Northern Greece.
- To analyze energy consumption, grid reliance, and photovoltaic sufficiency under various cultivation scenarios.
- To develop metrics for assessing the resilience and sustainability of vertical farming systems.
Main Methods:
- TRNSYS 18 simulations integrated with high-resolution environmental data.
- Generation of 48 cultivation scenarios by varying photoperiods, humidity, and HVAC setpoints.
- Application of a dynamic crop cycle estimation model and a multi-criteria performance framework.
Main Results:
- Median carbon footprint of 3.67kg CO2 per kg of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa), outperforming conventional methods.
- Demonstrated seasonal variations in photovoltaic sufficiency, with higher autonomy in spring and summer.
- Developed a Lighting Flexibility Classification with five levels to support adaptive strategies.
Conclusions:
- Simulation-based design is crucial for optimizing energy use and minimizing environmental impact in controlled-environment agriculture.
- The proposed metrics and classification offer practical tools for enhancing vertical farming resilience and sustainability.
- Vertical farming in Mediterranean climates can be optimized for energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
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