Performance Comparison of Smart Energy Management Approaches in Greenhouse Production Systems with a Focus on CO۲ Emission Reduction and Environmental Sustainability

Rising energy demand has become one of the most critical constraints in greenhouse crop production systems, as it not only imposes high operational costs but also intensifies greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in regions with cold and prolonged winters. The Moghan Plain, located in Ardabil Province in northern Iran, experiences harsh climatic conditions that result in substantial heating requirements, making efficient energy management a decisive factor for both economic viability and environmental sustainability of greenhouse operations. This study aims to provide a quantitative comparison between smart and conventional energy management systems in commercial greenhouses of the Moghan region, with emphasis on energy consumption patterns, production performance, and carbon emission efficiency. A cross-sectional field survey was conducted on ۴۲ commercial greenhouses selected from a population of ۱۲۶ active units, comprising ۱۸ conventionally managed greenhouses and ۲۴ smart greenhouses utilizing digital monitoring, automated control, and advanced decision-support technologies. Annual energy consumption, crop yield data, and operational characteristics were collected and normalized per unit area and per unit of product. Carbon dioxide emissions were estimated based on fuel- and electricity-specific emission coefficients. Statistical analyses, including independent sample t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression, were applied to evaluate the effects of management approach and technology level on key performance indicators. The results indicate that smart-managed greenhouses consumed, on average, ۲۷.۰% less total energy per square meter than conventional systems, while achieving higher production yields. Carbon emission intensity declined by ۳۳.۶% per unit area and ۳۸.۵% per unit of product in smart greenhouses. Moreover, the Energy Efficiency Index increased from ۰.۵۲ in conventional systems to ۰.۷۱ under smart management, reflecting a markedly improved balance between energy inputs and production outputs. Among the evaluated technologies, AI-based and hybrid smart systems demonstrated the highest performance levels. Overall, the findings confirm that smart energy management systems play a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and improving productivity in greenhouse production under severe climatic conditions. Intelligent operational control is therefore identified as a key driver for sustainable greenhouse development in energy-intensive agricultural regions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Greenhouse Production Systems ، Energy Efficiency ، Carbon Dioxide Emissions ، Moghan Region ، Smart Energy Management