Developing an economic estimation system for vertical farms

Shao, Yiming, Heath, Tim and Zhu, Yan (2016) Developing an economic estimation system for vertical farms. International Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Information Systems, 7 (2). ISSN 1947-3206

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Abstract

The concept of vertical farming is nearly twenty years old, however, there are only a few experimental prototypes despite its many advantages compared to conventional agriculture. Significantly, financial uncertainty has been identified as the largest barrier to the realization of a ‘real’ vertical farm. Some specialists have provided ways to calculate costs and return on investment, however, most of them are superficial with calculations based on particular contextual circumstances. To move the concept forwards a reliable and flexible estimating tool, specific to this new building typology, is clearly required. A computational system, software named VFer, has therefore been developed by the authors to provide such a solution. This paper examines this highly flexible, customised system and results from several typical vertical farm configurations in three mega-cities (Shanghai, London and Washington DC) are used to elucidate the potential economic return of vertical farms.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/778066
Keywords: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Information System, Cost Modeling Methodology, Financial Analysis, Greenhouse, Hydroponics, Simulator, Urban Agriculture, Vertical Farming
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Engineering
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.4018/IJAEIS.2016040102
Depositing User: Eprints, Support
Date Deposited: 24 Aug 2017 13:11
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 17:39
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/45124

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