Circular Vertical Farming

The Circular Vertical Farming project is a joint initiative between IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and the University of Bologna.

Project Overview 

Our research focuses on optimizing vertical farming systems to maximize resource efficiency and minimize environmental impact in urban settings. 

Research Goals:

• Explore the use of urban waste and residual streams as input for vertical farms 

• Experiment with how vertical farming waste can be valorised and used for further food production 

• Optimize energy use in vertical farming 

Current Studies 

1. Urban Waste as Growing Media: Investigating sustainable alternatives to traditional substrates

2. Utilizing vertical farming waste as a substrate for mushroom production 

3. Building integration to promote more resource efficient controlled environment agriculture 

4. LED Lighting Optimization: Testing various light spectra for optimal plant growth and energy efficiency

5. Assessing the potential of building integration for improving the environmental performance of controlled environment agriculture by studying a symbiotic example of an integrated aquaponic farm with a supermarket.

6. Environmental Impact Assessment: Conducting life cycle analyses of vertical farming systems and their potential to improve through circular production methods and urban symbiosis 

Why It Matters

As cities grow, the need for sustainable, local food production becomes increasingly critical. Vertical farming, despite its many promises, relies heavily on imported materials and has a large energy demand. Sourcing these locally, and linking to urban systems could improve their resource efficiency.  

Get Involved

Visit our experimental vertical farm at KTH Innovation, Teknikringen 1, to see our research in action. We are open to host tours and workshops for students, industry professionals, and the public. Contact Michael Martin and Loris Mazzaferro for more information.