Economic and Social Impacts of Hydroponic Green Roof Systems: A Case Study

Among soil-less systems, Hydroponic Green Roof Systems (HGRSs) belongs to the Building Integrated Agriculture concept, which is a sustainable strategy for urban food production that can reduce environmental footprint, cut transportation costs, enhance food security/safety, increase the building thermal insulation, thus contributing to the energy saving for space heating and cooling. In this context, the study aims at evaluating economic and social aspects of HGRSs installed on building rooftops in the Mediterranean region hydroponic systems. A case study is applied to a small pilot hydroponic plant located in Reggio Calabria. Economic and social analyses are performed, to identify specific ‘hot spots’ and, consequently, actions to improve the overall sustainability and circularity of the whole system. The results of the study can help to promote economically and socially sustainable food supply chains within a circular economy framework. The study is developed within the project “FUD-OF-SITHY-Favor the Urban Development of Sustainable agriculture Through Hydroponics” funded by European Union-Next Generation EU, Mission 4 Component 1 (Project CUP B53D23027030001).