Sustainability and Resource Optimization Vertical Farming Systems: Emerging Technological Paradigms

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: Special, 378 - 389, 28.12.2025

Özlem Altuntaş , Yadigar Leyla Doğan

https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.si.36

Abstract

This study aims to reveal current trends related to sustainability, resource optimization, and technological innovations in vertical farming systems by analyzing and evaluating recent studies on this subject. According to the general results emerging from the research, vertical farming provides high efficiency in water and land use but exhibits significant limitations in terms of energy consumption and economic feasibility. The efficient use of LED lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, and renewable energy integration stand out as key strategies for reducing environmental impacts. IoT, digital twin, and artificial intelligence-based control systems strengthen the automation of production processes and optimize resource utilization. It is observed that social sustainability, consumer acceptance, and economic feasibility dimensions are addressed only to a limited extent in the literature. Overall, vertical farming is evaluated as an innovative production model that combines energy transition, resource circularity, and urban sustainability.

Keywords

Carbon footprint , Controlled environment agriculture , Digital farming , IoT , LED lighting , Renewable energy

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