In Berlin’s Lankwitz neighborhood, REWE supermarket has pioneered a new approach to fresh greens by cultivating lettuce on a rooftop farm just above its store. This innovative urban agriculture project cuts down transportation, uses sustainable energy and water, and brings produce from farm to table within hours.
- Hydroponic rooftop farm supplies fresh produce daily
- Farm heated by store’s waste heat and watered by rain
- Plans to expand rooftop farms to 20 REWE locations in Germany
What happened
REWE’s Lankwitz store in Berlin integrates a hydroponic rooftop farm that grows lettuce year-round. Using minimal soil and powered partly by solar energy, the greenhouse recycles waste heat from the supermarket’s refrigeration system and collects rainwater for irrigation. Once harvested and packaged by hand, the greens are brought downstairs and placed on shelves before the store opens to customers.
This innovative design breaks down traditional supply chain barriers, as the fresh produce travels only the vertical distance inside the building rather than overland miles. Beyond supplying the Lankwitz store, the farm’s lettuce also reaches other REWE locations around Berlin and nearby regions, multiplying its positive impact on local food availability.
Why it feels good
This rooftop farm initiative dramatically reduces food miles and transportation emissions, helping lessen environmental impact. By growing food directly above the point of sale, REWE is reducing waste, saving trucks from delivering leafy greens, and utilizing resources like waste heat and rainwater smartly. This circular system keeps everything inside the building highly efficient and sustainable.
Experts see urban farms like this as a step toward reconnecting consumers with food production. While this model boosts access to fresh vegetables, urban agriculture also has strong potential to foster community engagement and knowledge-sharing, making cities healthier and greener spaces to live in.
What to enjoy or watch next
REWE plans to expand rooftop farms across Germany, aiming to operate 20 such farms within ten years, with at least one in each REWE region in the next five years. This ambitious growth reflects the proven benefits of integrating farming into supermarkets to enhance local, fresh food supplies and reduce dependence on extended global supply chains.
For those interested, REWE currently offers outside tours of the Lankwitz rooftop farm, providing a glimpse into the future of urban grocery shopping. As this concept grows, it may serve as inspiration for other cities worldwide to adopt sustainable food systems blending agriculture with everyday retail.