Swegreen’s smart farms: A sustainable solution for local food production and climate action

Maya García
May 29
3 min read

In an era where sustainable food systems are critical to addressing climate change and feeding a growing global population, Swegreen is offering a bold, scalable solution. By integrating high-tech in-store vertical farms within grocery stores and restaurants, Swegreen directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13). As food demand and urbanisation increase, the need to reduce food waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure local food security has never been more urgent.

The last-mile problem and its environmental cost

Globally, it is estimated that food transport contributes to approximately 6% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with fresh produce often travelling thousands of kilometres before reaching consumers. This extended journey not only generates substantial carbon emissions but also causes up to 45% of leafy greens to be lost or spoiled before consumption, according to the FAO.

Swegreen addresses this inefficiency by producing greens hyperlocally—directly inside the host retail or restaurant environment. This dramatically reduces the need for refrigerated transport, packaging, and storage. The crops embark on their only journey when customers carry them home.

Precision agriculture with ai and circular economy principles

Swegreen’s solution is powered by Farming as a Service (FaaS), an advanced subscription-based model that eliminates upfront investment for retailers. With cloud-connected, AI-controlled environments, the system enables continuous cultivation under optimal conditions, regardless of external weather or seasonal variability. Each unit can harvest up to 450 crops daily, using sensors, LED lighting, and real-time monitoring systems to ensure maximum efficiency and plant quality.

One of Swegreen’s most impressive achievements is reducing water usage by 99% compared to conventional agriculture. Where traditional outdoor farming requires roughly 250 litres of water to grow a kilogram of lettuce, Swegreen’s system achieves the same with just 1–2 litres, through full irrigation water recycling.

Beyond organic: Chemical-free and nutrient-rich

In contrast to conventional farming methods, which often rely on chemical pesticides, Swegreen’s closed-system farms are completely pesticide-free. A 2023 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that over 90% of sampled leafy greens in supermarkets contain pesticide residues. Swegreen eliminates this concern entirely, offering clean, high-nutrient greens grown without any herbicides or insecticides.

Moreover, independent tests indicate that Swegreen’s leafy greens have a higher nutritional profile and better taste than their conventionally grown counterparts, thanks to optimal and consistent environmental conditions.

Real-world impact and future potential

Swegreen’s pilot installations across Sweden have demonstrated measurable success in reducing food waste and transport emissions. Their innovative approach aligns with EU strategies on Farm to Fork and Circular Economy Action Plan, and their model has inspired partnerships across Europe.

As urbanisation increases—projected to reach 68% by 2050 according to the UN—the potential to replicate Swegreen’s model globally offers a viable path towards sustainable urban agriculture. By transforming underused retail space into productive micro-farms, cities can become part of the solution, reducing dependency on long and vulnerable supply chains.

Swegreen - FaaS In-Store platform

A collaborative path forward

The Global Society must prioritise shared innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and scalable technologies to meet the SDGs. Swegreen exemplifies how private sector innovation can be harmonised with global sustainability goals—delivering economic value, improved public health, and environmental protection.

By bringing agriculture closer to the consumer, and aligning digital tools with circular resource use, Swegreen contributes meaningfully to a future where food systems are resilient, equitable, and climate-smart.

Swegreen’s in-store farms demonstrate that local, sustainable food production is not a far-off ideal, but an attainable and profitable reality. As climate pressures intensify and the need for resource-efficient agriculture grows, solutions like Swegreen will be pivotal in achieving a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and initiatives supporting innovative agriculture through these links: