Nestled in the southeast of Spain, Almeria’s greenhouse expanse is a real world testament to agricultural innovation. While its success in supplying European supermarkets with affordable produce is widely known, a silent hero has emerged in recent times – cool roofing technology. This innovation, with its light-reflecting prowess, not only contributes to the efficiency of the greenhouses but also yields impressive environmental effects.
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The roots of Almeria
The roots of Almeria’s greenhouse story go back to the 1960s when the government allocated land to a burgeoning population, sparking a wave of intensive agriculture. Since the 1980s, the small coastal plain, some 30 kilometers southwest of the city of Almeria, has developed the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world, covering 26,000 hectares. Several tons of greenhouse vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchinis are produced here annually. More than half of the Europe’s demand for fresh fruits and vegetables are grown under the plastic shades, fuelling the province of Almeria’s economy by $1.5 billion in annual revenue.
Since the 1980s, the small coastal plain, some 30 kilometers southwest of the city of Almeria, has developed the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world, covering 26,000 hectares.
Only 35 years ago, this region in the southeast of Spain was dry and arid, and desert-like, receiving an average of 200 mm of rainfall a year. In fact, Spaghetti western films were once shot here, because the land was so dry and barren. Today, these greenhouses cover a vast expanse, representing a significant portion of Spain’s horticultural production. The high-yield model, with productivity 30 times that of the average European farm, has become a linchpin in sustaining the province’s economy.
Cool Roofs: A Silver Lining
The reflective nature of cool roofs has brought about positive consequences in Almeria’s agricultural landscape. Almeria’s sea of white-roofed greenhouse is so vast that researchers from the University of Almeria have found that by reflecting sunlight back into the atmosphere, the greenhouses are cooling the whole province. While temperatures in the rest of Spain have climbed at rates above the world average, the local temperature has dropped an average of 0.3 degrees Celsius every 10 years since 1983. This climate modulation has created a unique microenvironment, indirectly offsetting the carbon footprint of the greenhouses by up to 45%.
While temperatures in the rest of Spain have climbed at rates above the world average, the local temperature has dropped an average of 0.3 degrees Celsius every 10 years since 1983.
Economic Gains and Social Impact
Beyond its environmental merits, cool roofing aligns with global initiatives for sustainability. The European Union funds Cool Roofs Europe, and influential organizations, including the Green Building Council, emphasize the use of reflective materials in building construction. The economic gains of cool roofing extend beyond the immediate agricultural landscape, demonstrating a net economic gain of $12 for every $1 invested.
The economic gains of cool roofing extend beyond the immediate agricultural landscape, demonstrating a net economic gain of $12 for every $1 invested.
Balancing Progress and Responsibility
Almeria’s success story is evolving, with cool roofing playing a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable and responsible agricultural future. The cooling effect not only benefits the crops but also contributes to efforts in climate mitigation. As Almeria navigates this delicate balance, it stands at the forefront of a cool revolution that transforms not just its agricultural practices but also the perception of progress in harmony with the environment.