A company in the city of London has transformed air raid shelters that were used during World War II into a leafy green growing environment called 'Growing Underground.' The company uses a hydroponics system, which is a method using nutrient solutions in water. It also uses LED lighting to accompany the process.
Zero Carbon Food grows a variety of nine different kinds of veggies and three different herbs. They grow these veggies and herbs year round in this 2.5 acre underground shelter underneath the London Underground Northern Line.
Zero Carbon Food is co-founded by Richard Ballard and Steven Dring and the Growing Underground finds satisfaction in being a carbon neutral operation. The growing environment estimates that it uses 70% less water than the traditional open-field farming systems. Not only does the Growing Underground provide eco-friendly food, it also aims to reduce the "food miles." This is the time it takes it get on your plate.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Hydroponic Farming
- The use of hydroponics in underground farms presents an opportunity for sustainable and efficient food production.
- Underground Agriculture
- Repurposing underground spaces for farming offers a unique solution to limited land availability in urban areas.
- Carbon-neutral Operations
- Embracing carbon-neutral practices in food production contributes to environmental sustainability and reduces the carbon footprint of the industry.
Where This Applies
- Agriculture
- The agriculture industry can explore the use of hydroponics and repurposing underground spaces to improve food production efficiency and sustainability.
- Renewable Energy
- The renewable energy industry can provide innovative solutions for powering underground farms, further enhancing their sustainability.
- Urban Development
- Urban development industries can find opportunities in repurposing underground spaces for agriculture to address the challenge of limited land availability.
