the real impact on health demonstrated by science

Indoor plants and plant systems More advanced systems, such as indoor living walls and hydroponic towers, have the potential to increase indoor humidity, improve thermal comfort and help create healthier, more climate-resilient buildingsaccording to new research led by the Global Center for Clean Air Research (GCARE) at the University of Surrey (United Kingdom).

The study, published in the journal Building and Environmentbrings together an international collaboration of experts to examine how plants actually influence indoor environmental quality. Although the understanding of urban vegetation exterior has advanced, the effects of interior green infrastructure remain poorly defined.

To address this knowledge gap, researchers developed a framework of ten questions that examine the evidence in technical, microbiological, health, socioeconomic and spatial dimensionsoffering the clearest insight to date into the performance of different types of interior greening in real buildings.

The study also presents the first clear comparison of 26 different indoor greening systems and its impact on indoor environmental quality parameters, offering designers and building managers clearer guidance than ever on what really works and where evidence is still lacking.

The analysis, a collaboration of 35 experts from the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Australia, India and Brazil through the GREENIN Micro Network Plus project, shows that larger indoor vegetation systems can make spaces feel up to two degrees cooler and more comfortableeven at constant temperatures.

Some engineering systems Help reduce fine particles and volatile organic compoundsalthough the intensity of these effects depends on the density of plants, lighting and general design. The study also points to preliminary evidence that vegetation can enrich the indoor microbiome by introducing more microbes of environmental origin.

Professor Prashant Kumar, lead author of the study and founder of the Surrey Global Center for Clean Air Research and leader of the GREENIN Micro Network Plus project, notes that “people pass around the 90% of their life indoorsbut, surprisingly, we still know very little about how indoor plant systems can transform those environments“.

“Our collaborative work demonstrates that greening interiors can make a difference a significant difference in certain situations -he highlights-, not only in the sensation that the buildings transmit, but also in their management of heat, humidity and pollutants.

However, it specifies that These benefits are not the result of chance. “They require the use of the right systems, in the right way, with proper lighting and maintenance -explains-. Consider greening as an environmental infrastructure, instead of as a decorationas well as filling the important research gaps in this area, will be key to making the most of its potential.”

The authors note that more research is needed and that the next step is Conduct long-term studies on buildings that consider lighting, ventilation, occupancy and maintenance: the practical realities that determine the good performance of indoor vegetation over time.

La Tijana Blanusa, senior horticultural scientist at the Royal Horticultural Society and co-author of the paper, explains that “indoor planting is a fantastic way to bring the benefits of plants and the interaction of people with them to urban homes, schools and any other space where nature is not easily accessible. “This document lays a solid foundation by providing evidence of the conditions necessary to achieve the greatest possible impact on air quality, well-being and more,” he highlights.

The research forms a key part of the GREENIN Micro Network Plus project, which brings together universities, local authorities, environmental organizations and horticultural experts to explore how to design indoor spaces to improve air quality, comfort and wellbeing in a changing climate. Additionally, it lays the foundation for future design guidelines and policies based on the realistic achievements of indoor greening.