Create and manage green cities using crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) ornamental plants production in a rooftop greenhouse

Heating and cooling systems in buildings generate a large amount of surplus carbon dioxide (CO₂). Recycling surplus CO₂ in a rooftop greenhouse in cities can be a methodology to contribute to green cities.
The plants, especially crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants, have the potential to carbon sink because plants absorb CO₂ and use that for photosynthesis during the night.
By regenerating exhausted CO₂ in a building, recycling surplus CO₂ in orchid and potted plants lowers energy costs because the number and size of leaves increase rapidly, resulting in faster vegetative phases. Phalaenopsis orchids have ornamental value and require a long cultivation duration, 20-24 months, with CO₂ absorption. Kalanchoe is a popular ornamental potted plant that is CAM. The net CO₂ uptake rate and stomatal conductance of Phalaenopsis and Kalanchoe were significantly affected by CO₂ concentration controlling light and nutrients, including nitrogen and calcium.
CO₂ supply in a rooftop greenhouse for both plants can enhance plant growth rate, shorten the growth period, and reduce energy costs associated with air purification environmental issues.
Living architecture using CAM ornamental plants can be a part of a new building concept with a rooftop greenhouse system.

XXXI International Horticultural Congress (IHC2022): II International Symposium on Greener Cities: Improving Ecosystem Services in a Climate-Changing World (GreenCities2022)

Y.J. Kim, A.R. Cho, S.M. Lee

CO₂, Kalanchoe, ornamental plants, Phalaenopsis, rooftop greenhouse

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1374.2