
5 Benefits of Living Walls in Businesses
The stark industrial appearance of modern structures today is slowly improving through a concept known as ‘living architecture’. In many high-rise buildings and urban landscapes, you will notice installations of vegetation on walls. The integration of these organic living walls is a small step towards introducing eco-friendly practices, to thwart the effects of global warming, and reduce carbon emissions.
Like many highly-urbanised cities around the world, the UK is no exception to air pollution. To illustrate the severity of the problem, long-term exposure to air pollution in the UK results in 28,000 to 36,000 deaths annually. Although the effects are not instant, living walls are considered one of the possible solutions to alleviating the severe pollution problem in the city.
These living walls not only insulate buildings but also help improve air quality and prevent energy loss. To further understand the importance of living walls UK suppliers can provide for businesses that choose to have green walls in their premises, here are some of the benefits.
Green walls increase employee productivity
Volatile organic compounds in the air are harmful to health. A study conducted in Sydney showed that a minimum of three to six indoor plants in the workplace could reduce VOCs significantly; hence improving overall indoor air quality. Another study conducted by European engineers found that a 1% reduction in indoor air quality dissatisfaction led to a 10% increase in employee productivity.
If this result is possible with only three to six indoor plants, imagine how much more productive employees will be if you have a green wall installation in your office.
Green walls have significant health benefits
Pollution is typically associated only with the outdoor environment. But modern research has confirmed that indoor air could be ten times as polluted as outdoor air. Green or living walls can help reduce discomfort and minimise health conditions associated with poor air quality such as respiratory diseases and allergies. Natural elements and vegetation in the workplace can also help reduce stress and mental fatigue.
Living walls are useful in regulating indoor temperature
Many commercial and business spaces depend on artificial HVAC systems to control temperature and humidity. Unfortunately, these systems use up a large amount of energy which not only consumes company resources but is also detrimental to the environment. Green walls can help cool air during summer and minimise dependence on air conditioning.
Green walls have noise-cancellation properties
Another benefit of green walls is the extra insulation that can help absorb and deflect noise. As such, the working environment becomes less distracting and more pleasant for employees and visitors alike.
Visual impact and improved impression of the company
A company that invests in eco-friendly practices and design benefits from increased employee morale and a more favourable reaction from the general public. Apart from this, green walls improve the appearance of office space and make it look more relaxing and inviting.
If you think it is too expensive or requires a lot of space, think again. It does not take much to invest in a green wall. Even if you have limited space in your office, a green wall can come in various shapes and sizes tailored to fit the individual needs of a business.