Abstract A simple linear model has been developed, based on the greenhouse crop heat and mass balances allowing for the calculation of inside air temperature and humidity together with crop temperature. This model is valid for a mature non-stressed crop with low-temperature difference between inside and outside. It can numerically be inverted in order to identify the greenhouse ventilation function together with the soil heat storage parameter, by fitting measured and calculated data of crop temperature and inside air temperature and humidity, and by deducing crop transpiration rate. This model was tested in summer in a ‘classically ventilated tunnel’ with a small opening surface (6%), and in a ‘largely opened tunnel’ with a large opening surface (18%). Measurements were carried out when the tomato crop was mature. On the basis of the experimental measurements, the coefficients of efficiency for ventilation were determined and used to validate the model with respect to inside air measurements. The identified values for the ventilation coefficients are in agreement with the values reported in the literature. Likewise, calculated inside air speed deduced from ventilation in both tunnels was also in good agreement with the measured values. It is shown that this approach allows for a precise estimation of ventilation and transpiration rates using only simple measurement devices such as temperature and air humidity sensors.