Vertical farming lettuce releases higher emissions, study finds

Fans of vertical farming will be disappointed to discover that comprehensive research in the UK has shown higher environmental impacts per kg of vertically-farmed lettuce compared to traditional field farming, or to growing lettuce in Spain and importing it

Energy use (electricity or diesel), the choice of substrate and soil emissions were the biggest climate impact 'hotspots' for lettuce production.

Lettuce means sustainability for many in Ireland, not least because Eamon Ryan recommended in a Dáil debate (on covid-19 pandemic food supply disruption) in 2020 that people grow lettuce on their south-facing windowsills.

Or why not go all the way with sustainability, and grow lettuce in vertical farms? This type of controlled environment agriculture, protected from weather and pests, has nutrient delivery systems to optimise use of resources such as lighting, heating, water, energy and space.