Technology for Rooftop Greenhouses

Rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) can generate significant advantages provided RTGs and buildings are connected in terms of energy, water and CO2 flows. Beyond the production of high-value crops, environmental benefits such as re-use of waste water, application of residual heat and absorption of carbon dioxide are derived from urban RTGs. Social benefits viz the creation of employment, social cohesion and so on are also important assets of RTGs. This chapter is focussed on RTGs technology. RTG share many common aspects with conventional greenhouses, but at the same time RTGs show attributes that should be discussed separately. Synergies such as using residual heat, rain water for irrigation, CO2 exchange, etc. are part of the common metabolism greenhouse-building. This chapter will concentrate on the available technology from conventional greenhouses which is more suitable for RTGs, particularly concerning greenhouse structure, covering materials, climate control and soilless cultivation systems.