Bytemarks

On the rooftop of Automart USA (formerly CompUSA) Alan Joaquin plans to convert an area of black roofing paper to edible green vegetables. Not only would this contribute to Hawaii becoming more food independent but it also helps to cool the building by minimizing the heat absorbing black surface.

Joaquin’s company FarmRoof developed specialized plant tubing that contains a nutrient, soil mix that is light weight and contains a watering system. The tubes are uncoiled into lengths customized for the rooftop. It weigh under 5 pounds per square foot and can be installed on any flat roof.

The company plans to focus on growing high nutrient value crops like  kale, beet leaves, arugula and asian greens for sale in local restaurants. But the produce is not limited to restaurants. FarmRoof is a Community Supported Agriculture member and with a subscription individuals like you and me can get four weekly deliveries of 10 oz of their mix of “Supergreens”.

With the rooftop farm on Automart USA started, Joaquin expects their first harvest to be in April. Plans are underway to sign up other buildings in the Honolulu area. Joaquin described the day when airlines flying over Honolulu, rather than seeing black top, would see fields of urban greenery, edible no less.