Identification of Factors for Active Use of Rooftop Greenhouses in Korea: Based on Analysis of Foreign Exemplary Cases

Abstract

Background and objective: There are a growing international consensus regarding the importance of achieving carbon neutrality and ensuring food security, particularly because of the "global boiling." Rooftop greenhouses (RTGs), which reduce carbon emissions from buildings and facilitate urban agriculture, have attracted the attention of the international community as a new form of urban agriculture. Despite considerable interest in RTGs in Korea, their implementation faces limitations owing to a lack of relevant legal bases and policies.Methods: We aimed to investigate exemplary cases to identify the essential factors for greenhouse operations and present these factors and the necessary direction for the active use of RTGs in Korea. A literature review was conducted using RTG and integrated RTG (i-RTG)-related scientific papers, books, news articles, brochures, official websites, and local government guidelines from the United States (US) and Canada where RTGs are actively used.Results: We identified the factors required for the stable operation of RTGs in Korea: long-term support and cooperation from building owners, initial operating capital, differentiated distribution strategies, and a review of relevant laws and regulations. The latter has emerged as an important factor in identifying the legal and policy limitations associated with the operation and management of RTGs in advance. Furthermore, we discuss the need and direction for creating guidelines for RTGs to introduce and review related content. While RTGs are gaining global attention as a new form of urban agriculture, Korea lacks the relevant legal and policy bases.Conclusion: There is a persistent need for guidelines outlining each step in the active use of RTGs at the local government level. In addition, continued discussions among the relevant experts are essential. Establishing legal and policy bases for RTGs should promote their active use, ultimately contributing to achieving carbon neutrality and promoting urban agriculture.