Take a look inside a greenhouse on the rooftop of a Whole Foods in Brooklyn — reducing emissions and food waste

Inside the Gotham Greens hydroponic greenhouse on top of Whole Foods Market in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Britney Nguyen/Insider Gotham Greens' second greenhouse operates on top of Whole Foods Market in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Gotham Greens and Ari Burling "We felt that it was important to prove the concept in New York City, the nation's largest and arguably the most influential market, before we could replicate it elsewhere," Puri said.But the team found themselves priced out of the NYC real estate market -- "at least until we looked up," Puri said. Gotham Greens greenhouse in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Britney Nguyen/Insider Gotham Greens uses direct sunlight and renewable electricity to power its greenhouses, while vertical farms can use up to three times more electricity and cost up to 16 times more to build, Puri said. "With our current footprint, Gotham Greens will save 583 million gallons of water annually compared to a conventional farm," Puri said. Puri said Gotham Greens produces 26 times more lettuce per acre of land than a conventional farm, an equivalent of 716-acres of soil. Gotham Greens salad dressings on display in Whole Foods Market in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Britney Nguyen/Insider "Organic certification defines how food is produced (specifically related to soil health), but it does not necessarily address quality, safety, nutritional value, water-use, or worker welfare," Puri said. "Gotham Greens has Certified B LINK status, meaning it's a vetted, environmentally conscious brand.