1. Scope and objectives
This Energy & Resource Efficiency Policy applies to all vertical farming and associated food-system facilities operated by the HEADTURNED Foundation. It covers energy use, water and nutrient cycles, materials and packaging, and the supporting digital infrastructure required to run our farms.
Our objectives are to reduce resource use per unit of food produced, minimise emissions and waste, and align our farming systems with long-term climate and biodiversity goals.
2. Energy management and low-carbon sourcing
Vertical farms depend on energy—for lighting, climate control, pumping, and processing. We work to reduce both overall consumption and the carbon intensity of the energy we use.
Wherever practical, facilities are powered by renewable energy sources or tariffs, and on-site generation is explored as part of long-term campus design. Energy-intensive equipment (for example, LED lighting or HVAC systems) is selected for efficiency and monitored so that performance can be reviewed over time.
3. Efficient water and nutrient cycles
Water and nutrients are managed through closed or highly efficient circuits, such as recirculating hydroponic or similar systems. We aim to minimise losses through evaporation, leaks, or system inefficiencies.
Nutrient solutions are monitored and adjusted to reduce waste and prevent excessive discharge. Where water or nutrient media must be replaced, disposal or treatment is managed in a way that avoids pollution of local waterways and soils.
4. Materials, packaging & waste minimisation
We aim to choose materials and substrates that are durable, reusable, or recyclable wherever possible. Single-use plastics and materials that are hard to recycle are avoided unless there is a clear and justified safety or quality reason.
Packaging is kept to the minimum necessary to protect food safety and quality. We favour packaging solutions that are recyclable, compostable, or part of return-and-reuse schemes with partners and customers.
5. Digital infrastructure and operational optimisation
Monitoring and control systems, including sensors, automation, and data platforms, are used to optimise resource use—adjusting lighting, temperature, airflow, and irrigation to match crop needs and reduce waste.
Where cloud or data services are used to support operations, we consider their energy footprint and, where possible, choose providers with strong commitments to renewable energy and energy-efficient data centres.
6. Procurement and lifecycle thinking
When procuring equipment, infrastructure, or services, we consider lifecycle impacts, including manufacturing, transport, use, and end-of-life. Preference is given to suppliers who can demonstrate responsible sourcing, repairability, and take-back or recycling options.
We seek to design systems that can be maintained, upgraded, and repurposed over time, rather than relying on short-lived or disposable solutions.
7. Monitoring, reporting & continual improvement
Energy, water, and key material flows are monitored so we can understand performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Where appropriate, we may set internal targets for efficiency or emissions reduction and track progress against them.
This Policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to reflect new technologies, guidance, and operational experience. Significant changes will be reflected on this page and, where relevant, in wider Foundation communications.
Questions or concerns about energy or resource use in our farming systems can be raised through our usual contact routes or, where appropriate, considered under the Complaints & Feedback Policy.