Clean Energy and Water Management in Low-Carbon Vegetable Farming: An SROI Perspective for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a clean energy and water management system in a health-oriented vegetable farm to support low-carbon agricultural production and generate economic and social value at the community level. The study was conducted at a lettuce farm in Phayao Province, Thailand. A development and pre–post evaluation design was employed. The study began with an analysis of the existing production system to identify hotspots of greenhouse gas emissions. Clean energy and water-use interventions were then designed and implemented, along with an environmental monitoring system, to improve resource-use efficiency and reduce losses in the production process. Environmental performance was assessed using Life Cycle Assessment, while socio-economic value was evaluated using the Social Return on Investment framework. The results showed that total greenhouse gas emissions from the production system decreased from 2,889.9 to 1,368.0 kgCO₂eq, representing a 52.7% reduction. Energy-related emissions decreased by 64.1%, and post-harvest losses decreased by 86.2%. The SROI analysis indicated a social return ratio of 6.75. These findings demonstrate that integrating clean energy, water management, and improved production practices can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the farm level while generating measurable economic and social value. The proposed low-carbon vegetable farming model, therefore, has strong potential to serve as a prototype for the development of sustainable community food systems.