Benefits of living green walls

Living green walls, sometimes referred to as vertical gardens or ecowalls, are a modern, unique, and fresh way to incorporate nature into spaces. At the leading edge of design and safe to install on almost any indoor or outdoor structure, living green walls can make a dramatic statement for any brand-positive business.

The benefits of living green walls are also functional, improving air quality, reducing energy costs, and serving as a natural acoustic filter, reducing noise levels in busy spaces. These features, along with the earth-friendly and sustainable image they impart, multiply the value of a living green wall for any organization.

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. Those that enter your facility are greeted by a lush, green environment while getting the benefits of being surrounded by 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. Whether they are installed on the exterior or interior of a building, the structures of living, breathing plant life create the “wow factor” that so many designers seek.

Green walls improve LEED and WELL ratings

The LEED Certification

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 facility with an improved carbon footprint. Commercial buildings that receive LEED certifications can receive tax credits correlating to their LEED rating.

The WELL Certification

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. The WELL Building Standard’s core concepts lay the foundation for maximizing human health and wellness within the built environment — air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.

The installation of living green walls or the addition of plants can earn buildings WELL credits by boosting happiness and productivity, reducing absenteeism, and improving well-being.

Improved air quality

Living green walls are natural air-filters, creating a cleaner, more invigorating work environment that will lead to better overall occupant health and well-being. People are often exposed to air toxins in the indoor environment such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, VOCs and benzene. Living green walls metabolize harmful toxins while releasing oxygen into the air — much like indoor plants but on a much larger scale.

Energy cost reduction

Both interior and exterior living green walls function to cool the air in the warmer summer months through a process known as “evapotranspiration.” Exterior living green walls can reduce wall surface temperatures by as much as 50°F, resulting in significant energy savings and air conditioning costs. The winter months see the added advantage of building insulation and the reduced energy costs that come with it.

Noise level reduction

One of the lesser-known benefits of living green walls is that they can reduce noise levels in buildings. Plants have been used near roads and highways to reduce noise in residential areas. Living green walls expand on this concept as vegetation ‘naturally’ blocks high-frequency sounds. Additionally, 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 and absorbing acoustic energy.

Want to enjoy the benefits of living green walls in your business?

Contact an Ambius expert today to improve the ambiance of your building and take the next step to creating healthier spaces with a living green wall.

Further information and next steps