Inspiring change through scalable urban agriculture
Project Summary
In collaboration with Charles Library, the Office of Sustainability is excited to announce the final installation of a sustainable hydroponics display constructed by Green Grant recipients, Engineers for Climate Action. The Green Grant funds student-led projects, programs and initiatives that advance Temple University’s commitment to sustainability through their positive impact on campus and our local environment and community. This year, Engineers for Climate Action is excited to cap off Earth Month with their final display of their sustainable hydroponics system, an innovative solution for growing plants using mineral-rich water in lieu of soil.
This hydroponics system represents a strong example of addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change through innovation and education. By creating a hands-on, scalable model of urban agriculture, this project aims to inspire actionable change and provide meaningful learning opportunities for students and community members. The hydroponics system is not just a tool for growing plants—it is a platform for cultivating awareness, fostering collaboration, and driving progress toward a more sustainable future.
Why use hydroponics?
• Enhances plant yields: plants can be more densely packed than when planted in soil on land, leading to higher yields. In addition, pH, nutrients, and light availability can be constantly monitored and controlled.
• Less water: as much as 10 times less water than traditional field crop watering methods. The water reservoir recycles nutrient rich water instead of allowing it to run off and drain to the environment.
• Locally grown: Indoor hydroponic systems allow plants to grow almost anywhere all year round.
• Prevents soil degradation: by reducing the need for soil and land use.
Process
Seedling Planting
Frame Construction
Painting
Wet Test
About this system
• Utilizes reclaimed PVC drainage pipes as the plant rack
• Inspired by the need for compact, water-efficient systems in urban environments.
• Features a modular A-frame structure made with recycled gutter piping and minimal energy requirements.
Annotated Design Drawing
Structural Analysis through SolidWorks
The design above shows the results of the SolidWorks simulation run on the model of the hydroponics design. Using the known properties of wood, a stress analysis was run to determine if the estimated loading on the structure could result in failure. Blue areas on the simulation model represent regions of material that will not be under a significant amount of stress. With accounting for the mass of the water, the plants, and the apparatus itself, it was found that the structure is adequately designed against failure.
Why does it matter to Temple?
• Serves as a living, educational tool for students and the community.
• Promotes awareness of food insecurity and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Supports student-led innovation and hands-on learning experiences.
About the Green Grant
Engineers for Climate Action were awarded $900 from the Office of Sustainability’s Green Grant for parts associated with the construction of the hydroponics display.
Temple Sustainability’s Green Grant builds upon Temple University’s commitment to sustainability by funding student-led projects, programs and initiatives that advance the Office of Sustainability’s mission and have a positive impact on campus and our local environment and community. The grant application opens late in the fall semester and winners are selected early the following calendar year. Project implementation and execution spans the spring semester.
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