Environmental and social life cycle assessment of growing media for urban rooftop farming

Abstract Purpose New environmental strategies are emerging for cities to become more self-sufficient, such as hydroponic crop production. The implementation of systems requires materials that usually originate in countries with low labour costs and other legal regulations. To what extent could these be shifting problems across the globe? answer this question, we performed a comprehensive social assessment various extended soilless used grow vegetables on urban roofs. Methods Three different growing media constituents were chosen study: perlite, peat coir; which produced three countries, Turkey, Germany Philippines, respectively, imported Spain. By using life cycle assessment, evaluated performances production transport media. Additionally, at levels. First, Social Hotspots Database analyse aggregated sectors. Second, country sector levels, finally, primary company data through questionnaires given businesses. Results discussion coir-based medium exerted lowest burden 5 out 8 impact categories because it is by-product from coconut trees. In contrast, perlite obtained highest impacts, impacts 44 99.9% higher than those coir, except land use. Perlite material extracted open-pit mines high energy consumption long road trip. Regarding demonstrated best performance all coir showed worst scores community infrastructure human rights, whereas displayed health safety. Nevertheless, evidenced much better subcategory contribution economic development. Conclusions This study contributes first comparison rooftop farming perspectives choose most suitable option. Peat appears alternative perspective. However, an standpoint, represents whose availability aiming disappear preserve peatlands. Therefore, identify new market niche development local future cities.