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Developing an economic estimation system for vertical farms

Shao, Yiming; Heath, Tim; Zhu, Yan

Authors

Yiming Shao

Yan Zhu



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.

Citation

Shao, Y., Heath, T., & Zhu, Y. (2016). Developing an economic estimation system for vertical farms. International Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Information Systems, 7(2), https://doi.org/10.4018/IJAEIS.2016040102

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 1, 2016
Online Publication Date Apr 1, 2016
Publication Date Apr 1, 2016
Deposit Date Aug 24, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal International Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Information Systems
Print ISSN 1947-3192
Electronic ISSN 1947-3206
Publisher IGI Global
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 7
Issue 2
DOI https://doi.org/10.4018/IJAEIS.2016040102
Keywords Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Information System, Cost Modeling Methodology, Financial Analysis,Greenhouse, Hydroponics, Simulator, Urban Agriculture, Vertical Farming
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/778066
Publisher URL https://www.igi-global.com/gateway/article/158094

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