Developers of a new concept in urban farming, the Plantagon Greenhouse, broke ground for the first structure in Sweden this week.  The new type of greenhouse for vertical farming in cities provides a way to use excess heat and CO2 from industries while growing crops.

The greenhouse is being built in Linkoping, Sweden and is expected to be completed in 12-16 months, according to a statement released by Plantagon International. The plant will produce vegetables from the recycled resources.

"I am immensely proud that Linkoping is the chosen site for the first vertical greenhouse. We will be the first city in the world to test the new technology and the systems involved to develop sustainable agricultural solutions for future cities," Paul Lindvall, Mayor of Linkoping, said in a statement. 

"This is a historic day for Plantagon. This ceremony marks the realization of the vision of creating functional sustainable solutions for the growing cities of today and tomorrow, where we can grow food in the cities in a resource-smart way, making use of the special conditions of the city," said Hans Hassle, CEO of Plantagon.