The 400-square-metre prototype is an attempt at creating a successful synergy between the greenhouse and the premises.
The greenhouse, built as part of the European GROOF project and partially funded by the European Union, shows how wasted energy from buildings can be reused to grow food. Tomatoes, basil, as well as over 20 different types of vegetables and herbs have already been grown here and delivered straight to the IFSB canteen.
In addition to the advantage of being able to produce locally without long transport routes, the greenhouse uses the heat from the building in a variety of ways. Besides the direct heat that rises above the concrete slabs of the canteen, the prototype features another type of concrete that stores the sun’s heat during the day and releases it at night. The ventilation of the offices and rooms also causes the temperature to rise.
The building also includes solar panels, as well as special double-glazed windows with automated blinds that keep the heat in while providing protection from direct sunshine. The plants are grown according to the hydroponic principle, which means that their roots are in water rather than soil. The greenhouse team does not use pesticides and depends solely on natural enemies in the event of a bug invasion. The project, which is expected to save 45,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, cost €900,000 and is now set to become a model for future development projects.
The full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish):
