Seoul’s Urban Agriculture Revolution

Klasmann-Deilmann Growbags at the Core of Innovative Rooftop Greenhouse

Seoul, a bustling metropolis, is embracing an urban agriculture movement with the inauguration of an exceptional rooftop greenhouse garnering widespread media acclaim. Developed by the Korea Institute of Machinery and a Korean state university, this project sits atop an eight-storey tower block in Seongsu-dong, reshaping sustainable cultivation practices. At the heart of this innovative venture lies the use of Klasmann-Deilmann growbags, a critical component in cultivating a diverse range of vegetables in an eco-friendly and efficient manner.

A Sustainable Oasis in Seoul

Covering an area of 200 m², the rooftop greenhouse stands as a symbol of Seoul’s commitment to sustainable living. Currently nurturing peppers, eggplants, and various vegetables, the greenhouse employs intelligent sensors and LEDs to maintain precise control over temperature, humidity, and air composition. This intersection of cutting-edge technology and ecological principles creates an optimal environment for crops, promoting a harmonious balance between urban development and nature.

Pioneering Sustainable Practices

The greenhouse in Seoul embodies a commitment to sustainable practices, contributing to a greener and healthier urban environment. During the winter months, residual energy from building heating is harnessed, while innovative shielding mechanisms in the summer reduce heat transfer, minimizing reliance on air conditioning systems. The greenhouse also utilizes the abundant CO₂ in the metropolis to stimulate plant growth, embracing a circular approach to resource utilization. Future plans include equipping the building with solar cells to further enhance energy independence, targeting a 20% reduction in energy consumption and a 30% decrease in CO2 emissions.

Klasmann-Deilmann Growbags: A Sustainable Cultivation Solution

Integral to the success of the rooftop greenhouse are Klasmann-Deilmann growbags, used for cultivating vegetables with a substrate consisting of 100% coco raw materials. Produced in own facilities in India and Sri Lanka, the growbags undergo meticulous control throughout the production process, ensuring quality and sustainability. The company’s commitment extends to environmentally friendly practices, including the cleaning and reuse of process water during coco processing. Ongoing developments aim to introduce more advanced organic substrates, providing growers with sustainable, safe, and ready-to-use solutions in the near future.

Global Recognition and Media Spotlight

The commissioning of this groundbreaking greenhouse has drawn considerable media attention, with major news channels in South Korea featuring the project’s inauguration. CCTV in China has also recognized the global significance of this initiative, shedding light on Seoul’s dedication to pioneering sustainable urban farming practices. The attention underscores the global importance of sustainable urban agriculture, with the rooftop greenhouse serving as a beacon of inspiration for future developments.

Bert Desmet, Managing Director at Klasmann-Deilmann Asia Pacific, expressed gratitude to the dedicated teams involved, recognizing the pivotal role of urban farming in addressing the challenges posed by expanding metropolitan areas. Desmet envisions greenhouses on high-rise building rooftops becoming more commonplace in the years to come and commends the teams in Asia for their leadership in this transformative development, paving the way for a safer and healthier future through innovative horticulture practices.