Research Article Volume 10 Issue 1
Universidade Positivo – Curitiba (PR), Brasil
Correspondence: Clayton Diego da Luz, Universidade Positivo – Curitiba (PR), Rua Santa Helena, 292, Centro, CEP: 83.324-220, Pinhais (PR), Brazil
Received: October 28, 2024 | Published: January 23, 2025
Citation: Luz CD, Diógenes AN. Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting: prospects for achieving sustainable development goals. MOJ Eco Environ Sci. 2025;10(1):8-13. DOI: 10.15406/mojes.2025.10.00340
This study aims to highlight the significance of Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting as a viable food supply solution for the global population, particularly in the context of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that target hunger and social inequalities. A thorough search was conducted across multiple databases, including MDPI, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Springer Science+Business Media, and Frontiers Media, using relevant keywords. The articles reviewed indicate that, despite the inherent challenges of this emerging and costly technology, Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs) have significant potential to advance the SDGs. By tackling critical issues such as food scarcity, adverse socioeconomic conditions, and environmental sustainability, PFALs could fundamentally transform the food production landscape. Despite financial challenges and limited accessibility primarily affecting stronger economies, ongoing technological advancements and research offer a hopeful outlook for Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs). Addressing these obstacles could reduce initial costs, enhancing accessibility and positively impacting low-income populations. By overcoming these hurdles, PFALs have the potential to drive innovative and sustainable solutions to food, environmental, and social issues, ultimately contributing to equitable global development.
Keywords: resource efficiency, urban agriculture, food security
The Food Waste Index report, published by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2021, highlights the need for new production concepts to reduce food waste and improve agricultural quality and yield. Supported by several targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the report emphasizes that in order to feed a growing global population and protect the environment, it is crucial to minimize waste and develop methods that use fewer resources and require less environmental management.1
Current challenges in agricultural production, such as climate change, water and land scarcity, and food waste, are exacerbated by the growing global population. The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, putting additional pressure on already overburdened food systems.1 Food insecurity has been on the rise, especially in developing countries, where millions lack access to adequate food. Food waste is alarming, with around one-third of global production being lost annually, depending on food availability and prices.2
Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs) are emerging as a viable solution to these challenges, offering a production system that uses less water and land and can be installed close to consumption centers to minimize waste. PFALs enable faster harvest cycles and are reliable for improving yields in controlled environments, addressing food insecurity.3 However, high production costs and consumer resistance to more expensive products still pose significant challenges. The growth of the PFAL market suggests a promising future, but financing options remain a concern.4
To support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, agricultural engineering and agronomy can develop strategies that enhance food security. These fields focus on improving equipment and inputs for planting, harvesting, and storage.
This article aims to highlight the role of agricultural engineering and agronomy in combating hunger through vertical farming, emphasizing technological innovation and responsible production in line with the UN’s objectives.
Vertical farming offers a promising approach to boost food production while using less land. Thus, further research on this technique is essential to understand its contributions to sustainability and economic implications.
A bibliographic survey was conducted using databases such as MDPI, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Springer Science+Business Media, and Frontiers Media. The keywords employed included vertical farming, plant factory, urban agriculture, plant factory with artificial lighting, hydroponics, productivity, light quality, daily light integral, sustainability, greenhouse, microenvironment, controlled environment, controlled environment agriculture, artificial lighting, production cost, light energy use efficiency, management, indoor farming, smart agriculture, energy demand, horticulture, food security, urban farming, plant factories, automation, LED, and supplemental lighting.
The review focused on articles that highlighted the advantages of vertical farming, discussing their applications, implementations, associated risks, challenges, costs, and benefits. Our aim was to explore the potential of vertical farming in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The publication timeframe was set from 2015 to 2022, as this period reflects the most extensive body of work on this emerging technology. Articles not aligned with the research question, as well as review papers that referenced Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs) without making them the primary focus, were excluded from the sample, along with abstracts, conference proceedings, and editorials.
The analysis conducted identifies 51 studies that address PFAL, covering topics such as the use and consumption of resources such as energy and inputs, production capacity, the use of the Internet of Things (IoT), and process mechanization. However, only the study by Lombardi & Lombardi (2022) broadly discusses the role of Vertical Farms in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), albeit without giving specific emphasis to the role of PFALs in this context, and Kozai, T4 brings the potential of n-PFALs and the technologies that can be incorporated into them are discussed in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of integrating PFALs into some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the 17 SDGs, we selected six that could potentially benefit from the adoption of PFALs, such as Promoting sustainability, reducing hunger, Fostering sustainable industrialization, Making cities and human settlements sustainable, Ensuring sustainable patterns of production and consumption, and undertaking actions to mitigate the effects of climate change. Given the scarcity of studies connecting PFALs to the SDGs, we proposed to outline the application of PFALs as a collaborative strategy for the aforementioned goals, without neglecting their limitations.
Revision
Characteristics of PFALs
PFALs (Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting) represent a closed plant production system (CPPS), where all inputs used are designed to ensure minimal emissions to the external environment. The numerical data presented in the following sections were sourced from PFALs that meet the following six criteria4:
A key distinction between PFALs and traditional indoor or vertical farms is that PFALs utilize lamps as the only source of light. In contrast, indoor farms typically incorporate a plant cultivation area that harnesses solar light through glass windows, while vertical farms often feature rooftop greenhouses that also utilize sunlight.5
The advantages of PFALs over conventional systems include:
However, PFALs also face a number of challenges and disadvantages, including:
Contribution of PFALs to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
When analyzing the articles selected in the review, we identified among the authors an approach on the following themes related to PFALs:
These themes are associated with several SDGs, which were chosen for this study:
SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture:
SDG 8: Promote sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all:
SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation:
Point 9.4 establishes the goal of modernizing infrastructure and rehabilitating industries by 2030, aiming to make them sustainable. This implies increased efficiency in resource use, as well as greater adoption of clean and environmentally responsible technologies and industrial processes. This initiative should involve all countries, considering their respective capacities.
SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable:
Point 11.6 stipulates that by 2030, it is necessary to reduce the negative environmental impact per capita in cities, with special attention to air quality, municipal waste management, among other aspects.
SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns:
Point 12.3 establishes the goal of halving global per capita food waste by 2030, both at retail and consumer levels and throughout production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
SDG 13: Urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Through literature review, it became feasible to discern various aspects inherent to PFAL that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Multiple characteristics inherent in these structures meet the principles stipulated by the SDGs, such as:
Objective 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
As addressed by Touliatos et al.,8 production in PFALs remains constant throughout the year, being approximately 100 times more productive compared to conventional methods in open fields. This finding distinguishes the PFAL system as a reliable and assured source of food production. Furthermore, as emphasized by Chen et al.,10 and Bantis et al.,9 controlled environment manipulation in PFALs can result in significant improvements in the quality of cultivated products. It is added that, as highlighted by Roberts et al.,11 production in this context occurs free from pesticides, ensuring the safety and nutrition of the resulting products.
According to the analysis of Song et al.,6 PFALs can be established in any location, regardless of the external environment. This characteristic gives them effectiveness in adapting to climate change. Moreover, as underscored by Kozai et al.,3 the system demonstrates notable efficiency in resource use, with minimal pollutant emissions, thus contributing to environmental preservation.
Given that PFALs represent a pioneering technology in continuous evolution and adaptation to new markets, it is imperative to allocate more resources to research and technological development. These researches may encompass genetic investigations, including genetic modifications, aiming to optimize food development in PFALs. As previously mentioned by Chen et al.,10 and Bantis et al.,9 controlled environment manipulation in PFALs can lead to substantial improvements both in the quality and quantity of cultivated products. This focus requires robust and continuous investments to ensure the effectiveness and viability of PFALs in meeting the objectives outlined by SDG 2.a.
The ability of PFALs to be deployed in any location, regardless of external climatic conditions,7 positions them as a disruptive system in food supply. This fact makes them an innovative system in overcoming obstacles related to food provision. Food products previously impossible to cultivate in certain locations due to climatic restrictions, soil conditions, or water availability can now be produced and made available in these regions, increasing food diversity and eliminating value distortions caused by imbalances between supply and demand.
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
PFALs present a diversified complementary model of food production, characterized by technological modernization in a high value-added sector, thus fostering the enhancement of specialized workforce skills. As highlighted by Kozai et al.,3 PFALs demonstrate high efficiency in resource use, minimizing pollutant emissions. Moreover, as pointed out by Roberts et al.,11 these practices do not require the use of pesticides, and according to Song et al.,6 they do not require soil for planting, thus characterized by a model of high efficiency in natural resource use and reduced environmental degradation.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation
The production model adopted in PFALs represents an innovative and more sustainable way of food production. This is due to the ability to exert greater control over the production process, the applied use of the Internet of Things (IoT), comprehensive management of pollutant emissions, and minimization of natural resource loss, as highlighted by Kozai et al.4
Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
When considering the installation of PFALs near food distribution centers, we notice a reduction in traffic and transportation of food in urban centers. This implies a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles. Consequently, by reducing heavy vehicle traffic, it is possible to contemplate an improvement in urban planning for the implementation of alternative transportation systems with lower pollutant emissions.21
Goal 12: Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns
Agroecological and Long-Term Family Practices (PFALs) can be strategically deployed near points of sale or distribution centers to reduce the interval between harvest and delivery to the end consumer. This results in a decrease in storage and refrigerated transportation costs, as highlighted by Al-Kodmany in 2018.21 The installation of PFALs in urban warehouses ensures deliveries in climate-controlled environments, resulting in a lower carbon footprint and more durable products for consumers, as emphasized by Ribeiro in 2019.22 The generated products have an extended shelf life, thus reducing the incidence of disposal, as evidenced by Hayashi et al.12,13
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
In PFALs, the use of chemicals such as pesticides, chlorinated, or herbicides is prohibited. The implementation of rigorous biosafety procedures, made possible by controlled and climate-controlled conditions, eliminates pests, insects, and diseases, thus eliminating the need for fungicides and herbicides.21–24 Furthermore, PFALs have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions by adopting renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind energy, decreasing reliance on fossil fuel-powered equipment, as pointed out by Sarkar and Majumder in 2015.23
After reviewing the literature, we were able to identify which characteristics of PFALs align most closely with the SDGs. To enhance understanding, we have developed the Table 1 below, highlighting the SDGs and the PFAL characteristics that correspond to each specific objective:
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals |
PFAL performance |
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. |
Increased cultivated production capacity8 |
Elimination of pesticide usage11 |
|
Higher resource use efficiency3 |
|
Adaptation to climate change7 |
|
Technology development7 |
|
Investment extension3 |
|
Enhanced agricultural infrastructure21 |
|
Disruption to food supply system21 |
|
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. |
Technological modernization in a high value-added sector4 |
Enhanced specialized workforce skills4 |
|
High efficiency in resource use3 |
|
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. |
Innovative and more sustainable food production method4 |
Greater control over the production process8 |
|
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. |
Reduction in food traffic and transportation21 |
Improved urban planning21 |
|
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns. |
Waste reduction21 |
Decreased storage costs21 |
|
Reduction in disposal21 |
|
Extended product shelf life21 |
|
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (*). |
Lower CO² emissions Biosafety procedures22 |
Elimination of the need for fungicides and herbicides21–24 |
Table 1 Summary table of PFAL criteria related to the SDGs
Source: author
As mentioned previously, PFALs have an intrinsic and crucial role in achieving the SDGs, addressing issues such as food shortages, unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, environmental preservation and optimization of food production. However, it is essential to recognize that these efforts face specific challenges that require attention and strategic approaches if the SDGs are to be effectively achieved. Through literature analysis, the author identified the main challenges that PFALs must face to meet the SDGs (Tabe 2):
Challenges |
Impacts on the SDGs |
High initial cost: The construction and implementation of PFALs may require a significant initial investment in technologies, infrastructure, and automation systems. |
This may hinder access to these technologies for poorer communities, conflicting with SDG 1 (No Poverty). |
Energy consumption: Lighting systems, temperature control, and other technologies in vertical farms can increase energy consumption. |
High energy consumption can contribute to carbon emissions, negatively affecting SDG 13 (Climate Action). |
Technological and innovation challenges: The technology used in PFALs is constantly evolving, and the lack of standards can make it challenging to adopt consistent innovations. |
Lack of access to advanced technologies may hinder the achievement of goals related to sustainable production (SDG 12). |
Consumer acceptance: Some people may be wary of food grown in controlled environments and question the quality or food safety. The high cost of the product does not cater to low-income individuals. |
This may negatively influence the acceptance of sustainable agricultural practices, indirectly impacting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture). |
Regulatory challenges: The lack of specific regulation for PFALs can create legal uncertainties and challenges in complying with food safety standards. |
Lack of regulation may hinder vertical farms' contribution to goals related to food security (SDG 2) and health (SDG 3). |
Scalability and production efficiency: Ensuring economic viability and production efficiency on a large scale can be challenging. |
The ability to expand production efficiently is crucial to meeting zero hunger (SDG 2) and sustainable production (SDG 12) goals. |
Social and employment issues: Automation in PFALs may reduce the demand for labor, affecting jobs in the agricultural sector. |
This may have implications for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and require solutions for retraining and creating alternative jobs. |
Table 2 Challenges of PFALs regarding the SDGs
Source: author
The articles analyzed revealed a clear trend toward the development of innovative alternatives in cultivation methods, incorporating new concepts and methodologies that make use of technology, especially when adopting the Internet of Things (IoT) in the production control system. In addition, approaches such as the methodology for rational use of electrical energy, cultivation methods adapted to different types of vegetables and analysis of the light spectrum stood out. The underlying objective of these approaches is to improve production capacity, while seeking to reduce resource consumption.
It was clear that these innovations have the potential to positively impact the production of various crops. However, it is worth noting that the technical and economic optimization of these practices requires more careful attention. The consensus points to the urgent need for advances in technological development and production methods, which are fundamental for the consolidation of PFAL as a viable alternative for agricultural production in sustainable urban centers.
The next generation of PFAL, when implemented, is expected to integrate advanced technologies such as LEDs, robotic/automated units, and enhanced cultivation units with production management software. In addition, increased public acceptance is expected. These advancements have the potential to not only significantly improve productivity, but also address pressing economic, environmental, and social issues associated with agricultural production.
Plant Factories With Artificial Lighting (PFAL) represent a transformative opportunity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), despite the inherent challenges associated with this emerging and often costly technology. These facilities have the potential to address critical issues such as food scarcity, socioeconomic disparities, and environmental sustainability, thereby redefining the future of food production. PFALs offer innovative solutions to food insecurity by enabling year-round cultivation in controlled environments, which can significantly increase yields and improve the availability of fresh produce. This is especially important in regions where traditional agriculture faces constraints such as limited arable land, adverse weather conditions, and resource scarcity. By enhancing food availability, PFALs can contribute to reducing hunger and improving nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations. However, financial barriers remain a significant hurdle, particularly for lower-income communities where access to such technology is limited. As research and development in the field progress, there is a strong expectation that technological advancements will lead to reduced initial costs, making PFALs more accessible to a broader range of communities. This accessibility is crucial for amplifying the positive impact of PFALs, particularly in underserved areas. The vertical farming model exemplifies the potential for not only combating hunger but also promoting energy efficiency and reducing waste. By optimizing resource use, PFALs can contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices and foster responsible investment in food systems. Given the urgency of the global food crisis and environmental degradation, further research and investment in this area are essential.
None.
Universidade Positivo.
The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest.
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