People talk about heating and cooling, but there are architectural ways to help minimize these costs.
For instance the mall of America doesn't have a heating system, despite being in one of the colder climates in the US. Thanks to it's intelligently designed glass ceiling used to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees.
And plants create a natural air purification system. Another system that would have the potential to save costs.
There are interesting ideas of how to improve efficiency through architecture. Sloping and curved highrises could harness more sunlight.
Here are a few examples of the theoretical types of design one might see.
http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/plantagon-ed02.jpg
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/169/c/2/vertical_farm_section_by_jonorobo-d36isq8.jpg
By intelligently stacking the floors, and using reflective surfaces, during the day you could maximize natural light.
This technology would allow cities to be more self sustaining. Would eliminate the need for hundreds of thousands of acres of land use, set a standard for more intelligent building practices, and help bring nature into urban settings.
I think that vertical farming is an incredibly important idea that requires a great deal of research.
People are talking about LED'S, which artificial lighting would be necessary, however, through architecture you can maximize the natural light to reduce the energy cost. Which would help regulate temperatures which can further reduce energy costs.
Some are looking at the issue as if it were going to be a conventional box housing these farms. But that simply wouldn't be the case.
There's certainly a debate to be had, but i really believe we need to begin moving forward with this sooner, rather then later.
