Vertical Farm, Lydney
Client type Manufacturing
Completed by
One of the world’s largest and most advanced indoor vertical farms.
MBA were appointed as HVAC consultants by Jones Food Company (JFC), one of Europe’s leading builders and operators of indoor vertical farms, to support with the delivery of their new development in Lydney, Gloucestershire.
The site, JFC2, boasts a growing space equivalent to 70 tennis courts and went live in June 2023, with the production of herbs and salads steadily increasing since.
The unique nature of indoor vertical farming presents a set of challenges requiring specialised HVAC solutions. Maintaining precise control over temperature, humidity and air quality is essential for maximising crop growth and yield, while keeping energy usage to a minimum.
Our team worked with JFC to develop concept designs for a low-energy HVAC system that would meet these requirements. We also carried out detailed airflow modelling using our in-house CFD capability to ensure effective air circulation within the grow rooms to prevent stagnation, which is crucial to ensure plant health.
Since the site became operational, we’ve continued to support JFC and their HVAC contractor (Brooktherm Refrigeration) by overseeing system performance and refining the HVAC software algorithms to ensure optimal growing conditions and energy efficiency.
