SUSTAINABLE FOOD   Food production is challenged by population growth (demand for finite water, soil & fisheries resources exceeds supply, loss of habitat & biodiversity), developing nations (more protein demand), peak oil (cost of fertilizer & fuel) and climate change (emissions, food miles & changing weather reduces food security).   Food security is also challenged by concerns over industrialized farming practices including - inefficient irrigation, water usage & high embedded water; polluting run-off due to monoculture cropping requiring high fertilizer and chemical pest control use; excessive use of hormones; GM lack of knowledge & co-design of sterile plant seeds, fertilizers & pest control for IP & max profit; unhealthy processed foods with excessive salt, fat & sugar; less nutrition & flavour in fruit & veg that is picked green, stored for long periods & artificially rippened; lack of ownership & control of price and availability with multi-national globalized markets.   This has lead to a drive to develop advanced tech Urban Farms with controlled environments in which - water use is efficient; pest control is easier & natural; nutrients are recycled; pressure on natural systems is far less; food miles minimal; food security comes with local ownership; produce is consumed locally and is fresher; and there is social benefit from connecting with nature.  
EnGen Institute 1992-2018
Climate-controlled greenhouses with multiple climate zones support aero, hydro & aqua-ponic systems for food production in robotic, closed-cycle Plant Life Support Systems.   Energy efficienct climate-control via good insulation, passive heating & cooling, heat pumps & thermal mass The use of chemicals is minimized by recycling nutrients and using natural controls - bee colonies, ladybugs etc
Climate Controlled Greenhouses
Nutrient Recycling
I  N   S  T  I  T  U   T  E
LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
TOTAL SUSTAINABILITY
GENERATIVE ENGINEERING OF ENGINEERED ENVIRONMENTS FOR LIFE SUPPORT
Modular Hydroponics System Modular Aquaculture Facility Climate Controlled Greenhouse Urban Farm Automation Urban Farm Automation
Coupled hydroponics, aquaponics and bio-reactors in a closed-cycle systems
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Heat Pumps and Thermal Mass
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