A desk-based study to determine an optimised greenhouse design bolstering local food production within the UK

Abstract

This paper identifies the shortcomings in the current agricultural sector that contribute to a lowered domestic food production – specifically the high cost of operating horticultural practices – as a critical issue affecting the United Kingdom’s food security and sustainability, thus leading to a heavy reliance on vegetable imports. A case study into an allotment in Beeston, Nottingham, provided insights into challenges faced by non-commercial food producers, and thus advocates for an enhancement of local communities’ ability to bolster their own fresh vegetable consumption through the use of small greenhouses. Simulations were run through IES Virtual Environment on a conventional single-span greenhouse as well as one which incorporated various design modifications and management systems – explored for their ability to optimise greenhouse efficiency. The resulting discrepancy in output variables demonstrated an overall improvement in performance between the traditional and modified greenhouses, with the proposed solution increasing heat retention by 30.4% and decreasing heating costs per square meter by 9.5% over the course of a year. Since simulated data is not always accurate to real-world conditions, further study may include building a physical structure to properly analyse the performance increase and feasibility of such a design. Nonetheless, the research proves that the optimisation of greenhouse design is an opportunity for the industry to reduce its reliance on imports as well as promote sustainable practice.