Closing the Water-Energy-Food-Loop: Building-Integrated Aquaponic Greenhouses for All, from Remote Communities to Metropolises

Summary

The need to decarbonize food production and improve electrification is pressing, particularly in urban and remote areas. Food production is energy-intensive, relying on transportation, heating, and artificial lighting. Without sustainable energy solutions, electrification remains costly and inefficient. This project integrates building-based greenhouses into urban and remote settings to address these challenges.

In urban areas, waste heat and CO₂ from buildings can be reused in rooftop greenhouses, reducing energy demand and supporting local food production. This also helps reduce emissions and reliance on long-distance food transportation.

In remote and Indigenous communities, food insecurity and high costs are compounded by reliance on diesel power and outdated infrastructure. Building-integrated greenhouses provide year-round food production while sharing energy with host buildings. The project uses an integrated Nexus Approach to create scalable, resilient solutions that balance food security, energy efficiency, and electrification.