Research on negative carbon potential and mechanisms in the productive renewal of Roof gardens

China is exploring innovative agricultural practices in pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2060. Rooftop agriculture (RA) offers significant benefits by reducing food miles and minimizing food losses. To evaluate the emission reduction potential of RA within the current food system, we used a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to assess its effectiveness in minimizing food loss-related emissions. The results indicated that, under optimal conditions, RA can reduce total supply chain emissions by 60.98%. It can lower carbon emissions by up to 0.407 kgCO₂eq per kilogram of crop production, with each square meter of RA equivalent to 8.44 m² of conventional planted land. From a broader production perspective, a 1% shift from traditional to rooftop vegetable cultivation can decrease total agricultural production emissions by up to 0.389%.