Eco Factor: Hydroponic farming on rooftop using solar energy.
Jamaica Church in New York wasn’t more than a simple church whose rooftop was usually littered with rusted nails used to secure railroad ties. The church is now being transformed into the city’s first rooftop hydroponic system capable of providing over 30 tons of vegetables to local residents and restaurants.
Being built by a start-up called Gotham Greens, the hydroponic rooftop system will feature a 12,000-square-foot greenhouse that is slated to begin construction this fall and will yield its first harvest in 2010. The groundbreaking venture could play an important role in the future of food production in the city.
The $1.4 million, soil-free farm will be powered by 2,000-square-feet of solar panels that are placed on the adjacent rooftop. To add more green to the farm, the produce will be delivered in a biodiesel van that will not only save on emissions but also allow for more competitive prices.
Via: NYDailyNews
