Resumen de Cultivating the future: innovation and sustainability in indoor vertical farmingfor the cities of tomorrow

Irina González-Herrera, Zaloa Azkorra Larrinaga, Laura Marcela Quant Colón, Naiara Romero Antón, Ander Romero Amorrortu

• This study examines the current state of Indoor Vertical Farming (IVF) and its role in the integration of sustainable agricultural spaces within urban areas. An extensive review of research, books and official data has been undertaken to provide a rationale for its need and importance. The paper first outlines the motives and objectives, followed by a classification of types of urban agriculture, with a focus on IVF, in order to clarify the existing confusion around this innovative approach. The methods most commonly used in IVF and the technologies used to control the thermal environment within the growing area are discussed in detail. The need for controlled environment agricultural structures that are energy efficient and sustainable is highlighted due to issues such as food security, urban population growth, scarce arable land, long food supply distances and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Urban agriculture, in particular controlled environment IVF, is proposed as a solution that integrates food production and consumption in the same place and is particularly suited to urban areas where land is limited. Recent technological advances in controlled environment vertical greenhouses are reviewed, along with the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures aimed at supporting various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable cities and communities. The study also covers the necessary automation systems, and provides examples of international IVF projects managed by artificial intelligence. This article summarizes the study’s findings on IVF as a sustainable and efficient solution to the challenges of food production in densely populated urban areas.