Sustainable Greenhouse Production Strategies to Mitigate Product Carbon Footprint

Dear Colleagues,

Food production and consumption has a significant environmental impact and the current consensus is that we must move towards more sustainable practices. In this context, greenhouse gas emissions associated with greenhouse production strategies is a central issue in many countries. It is also necessary to adopt strategies capable of achieving the objectives set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as affordable and clean energy, climate action or the extinction of hunger and poverty.

The increase of resource use efficiency (IRUE) in terms of energy, water, nutrients and growing media use provides strategies to maximize production while taking measures against climate change. IRUE can provide technological solutions in greenhouses that constitute an alternative for a world that is increasingly under stress through population growth, urbanization, energy and water shortages, land and soil degradation, environmental pollution, and climate change. Renewable Energy Sources (RES) fit in this context, proving to be a useful tool for sustainable greenhouses. In addition, there is consumer concern about the negative environmental impact and the production of high-quality products through greenhouse production, which can be countered by more environmentally friendly production strategies. The carbon footprint regarding the production of plant products is an effective tool to compare the environmentally friendly production of plant goods and to strengthen the environmentally conscious purchasing tendencies of the consumer.

Currently, the knowledge concerning utilization of sustainable greenhouse production strategies and product carbon footprint is increasing. Still, many key points must be studied in depth regarding the sustainable use and reuse of energy, water, nutrients and growing media under different greenhouse types and locations around the world. To date, limited reports exist on intensive, year-round operating greenhouses combined with energy and water recovery, nutrient conservation, the energy productivity and sustainability of different RES types and systems, and the use of environmentally friendly growing media in hydroponics. In this context, the production of the materials for the greenhouse infrastructure, the production of nutrients and growing media, as well as the energy demand of greenhouses in general and of artificial lighting and RES, can cause considerable emissions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to provide engineering solutions, tools, and technologies that support the strategic design, tactical planning, and operational control of greenhouses, as well as their sustainability.

Based on these challenges, this Special Issue is welcoming original research papers, short communications, and review articles that provide insight into all topics related to sustainable greenhouse production strategies and their environmental impact in terms of greenhouse cultivation with horticultural and medicinal plants systems. The focus is on the environmental, technological, agronomical, and nutritional issues involved in meeting the high demands of consumers for fresh food characterized by high yield, high quality, and low carbon footprint. Some perspectives on economic sustainability are also encouraged.

Dr. Georgios Ntinas
Dr. Dennis Dannehl
Guest Editors

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