The benefits of living green walls

Living green walls are a surefire way to enhance a building’s visuals, improve air quality as well as
employee alertness and energy levels. Over the past half century, a notable increase of urban-living
seekers has led to a considerable uptick in air pollution and loss of green spaces.

Living green walls (also commonly referred to as vertical gardens or living walls) are a wonderful solution
for any property interested in improving their space with intrinsic benefits of nature.

Living green walls infuse the dull expanse of interiors with life-renewing greenery. They offer an
inspirational and aesthetically intriguing natural boost to employee morale. Whether they are installed
on the exterior or interior of a building, the structures of living, breathing plant life create the “wow
factor” so many interior designers seek while championing sustainability.

Visual benefits of living green walls

Living green walls make a breathtaking statement by creating alluring and inviting environments. They
are as equally impressive in appearance as they are purveyors of good health; the plants in the walls
work as a natural air-filtration system that building occupants can enjoy. Employees are greeted by a
green lush environment while savoring the soothing effects of being around an abundance of foliage.

An emerging trend in green design, these vertically sprawling gardens of green are springing to life
across the world on the exteriors of skyscrapers, in hotel lobbies, office reception areas and more.

WELL credits/sustainability

WELL is a building performance rating and certification system similar to LEED, but with a focus on
human well-being and performance rather than environmental sustainability. This performance-based
system was constructed around seven core concepts to measure, certify, and monitor our working
environments. These seven concepts lay the foundation for maximizing human health and wellness
within the built environment.
The WELL Building Standard’s core concepts include: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort,
Mind

The installation of living green walls or the addition of plants can earn buildings WELL credits which
boost employee happiness, productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve well-being.

LEED credits/sustainability

The LEED program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green
Building Council, is an internationally recognized green building certification system to help convert the
design, operation and construction of buildings into eco-friendly properties.

The installation of living green walls can earn buildings LEED points which, in turn, helps to increase a
property’s value by creating a favorable perception of a structure with an improved carbon footprint.
Commercial Buildings that receive LEED certifications can receive tax credits between .70 - $6.25 per
square foot depending on your rating level according to the U.S Department of Energy.

Improved air quality

Living green walls are natural air-filters, creating a cleaner, more invigorating work environment that will
lead to better overall employee health and production. Officer workers are often exposed to air toxins in
their work environment such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, VOCs and benzene. Living green walls
metabolize harmful toxins while releasing oxygen into the workplace air, much like office plants but on a
much larger scale.

Energy cost reduction

The interior and exterior living green walls function to cool the air in the warmer summer months by a
process known as “evapotranspiration.” The winter months see the added advantage of building
insulation thus reducing energy costs for heating the building.

Exterior living green walls can reduce wall surface temperatures by as much as 50 degrees °F, resulting
in significant energy savings and air conditioning costs.

Noise level reduction

One of the lesser known benefits of living green walls, the structures can reduce noise levels in
buildings. Plants have been used, throughout the world, to reduce noise along roads and highways.
Living green walls expand on this concept as vegetation ‘naturally’ blocks high frequency sounds while
the supporting structure can help to diminish low frequency noise.

Living green walls act as extra insulation with a layer of air between the plants and the wall. They also
reduce noise levels by reflecting, refracting as well as absorbing acoustic energy.