In the heart of the city center, a groundbreaking technology aimed at conserving energy in buildings and curbing greenhouse gas emissions has been developed. This innovative approach involves the creation of building-integrated rooftop greenhouses, a concept that has recently been demonstrated for the first time in the country.
Led by Principal Researcher Sang-min Lee at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), an institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea, the research team achieved a significant milestone by developing a cutting-edge "active energy interchange technology." This technology facilitates the proactive exchange of thermal energy and carbon dioxide, not only controlling the energy of the building but also managing the greenhouse energy.
In a pioneering move, the team successfully demonstrated a rooftop greenhouse covering a 200-square-meter area on the roof of a commercial building in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. This marks the first instance of a Korean research team implementing a building-integrated rooftop greenhouse in a commercial setting.
The potential benefits of this technology extend beyond energy conservation, with implications for carbon neutrality and addressing future food shortages through sustainable urban agriculture. By utilizing otherwise unused rooftops in space-constrained urban areas, these building-integrated rooftop greenhouses offer a solution to grow plants. The discarded heat and carbon dioxide from the building contribute to maintaining optimal conditions within the greenhouse.
The positive impacts are manifold, including a 20% reduction in energy consumption for air conditioning, a 30% decrease in greenhouse emissions, and a 20% increase in crop productivity. Additionally, the reduced distance between the production and consumption areas helps minimize losses in the cold chain during the transportation and storage of food products.
To enhance the energy-saving capabilities of rooftop greenhouses, the research team developed an "optimized smart farm operating solution." This solution enables the comprehensive control of various system aspects, such as air conditioning, LED lighting, and hydroponics, based on external weather conditions. The plan is to showcase this solution through the operational rooftop greenhouse.
Looking ahead, the KIMM aims to establish standards for rooftop greenhouses in both new and existing buildings. Collaborating with institutions such as the Architecture and Urban Research Institute and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, the institute intends to develop construction technologies. Additionally, efforts will be made to encourage the widespread adoption of rooftop greenhouses in the country by establishing relevant certifications and regulations.
After construction, the rooftop greenhouse will serve as a "living lab" for residents, promoting various social values through urban agriculture. The space will be multifunctional, offering opportunities for experiencing, educating, and healing purposes.
