Australian scientists move one step closer to proving the link between the humble indoor plant and human health and well being
Last year, Australia’s National Interior Plantscape Association joined forces with the global leaders in plant ecotoxicology, based at the University of Technology Sydney, and the Commonwealth Government to undertake a three year research and development study to test if low numbers of indoor plants do benefit both human health and air quality.
More than 900 papers from over 100 journals and conferences have already been catalogued by the US National Science and Technology Council supporting the link between live indoor plants and human health. Europe also has a very large body of technically sound studies and documentation linking health and productivity with specific building designs and operations. On the basis of these and earlier findings, the Green Building Council of Australia has adopted a 'Green Star' rating for the inclusion of indoor plants in new buildings.
However, Australia’s National Interior Plantscape Association, the Federal Government arm – Horticultural Australia Limited (HAL) and the University of Technology Sydney team acknowledge there is further research and development needed to prove beyond all doubt that the indoor potted plant microcosm (PPM) is indeed a remedy for the 400 volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) identified in indoor air.
This research includes questions about indoor plants in the workplace that are commonly asked by professionals in the interior plantscape industry, office workers, building owners and managers and other would-be buyers of indoor plants: 'Do indoor plants really make a difference on how people feel at work?'. 'Can one or two indoor plants really have an effect on indoor air quality?' and, 'How many plants are actually needed?' These 'issues' are being addressed in the three year study.
A study by Virginia I. Lohr, et al from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Washington State University records productivity increases up to 12 per cent in the presence of indoor plants. Other estimates of productivity increases by office workers gained from working alongside live indoor plants go as high as 50 per cent. Increased numbers of CH2 type 'green star' buildings are the result of greater environmental awareness by office employees and unions. Council House 2 – CH2 is a visionary building leading the way in ecologically sustainable design and facility management. The building is located at 240 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Reduced litigation related to VOCs in the workplace is also an anticipated benefit. The bottom line will be relief for interior plantscapers who can look forward to supporting their current assertions with quality Australian based research in the future.
More than 900 papers from over 100 journals and conferences have already been catalogued by the US National Science and Technology Council supporting the link between live indoor plants and human health. Europe also has a very large body of technically sound studies and documentation linking health and productivity with specific building designs and operations. On the basis of these and earlier findings, the Green Building Council of Australia has adopted a 'Green Star' rating for the inclusion of indoor plants in new buildings.
However, Australia’s National Interior Plantscape Association, the Federal Government arm – Horticultural Australia Limited (HAL) and the University of Technology Sydney team acknowledge there is further research and development needed to prove beyond all doubt that the indoor potted plant microcosm (PPM) is indeed a remedy for the 400 volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) identified in indoor air.
This research includes questions about indoor plants in the workplace that are commonly asked by professionals in the interior plantscape industry, office workers, building owners and managers and other would-be buyers of indoor plants: 'Do indoor plants really make a difference on how people feel at work?'. 'Can one or two indoor plants really have an effect on indoor air quality?' and, 'How many plants are actually needed?' These 'issues' are being addressed in the three year study.
A study by Virginia I. Lohr, et al from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Washington State University records productivity increases up to 12 per cent in the presence of indoor plants. Other estimates of productivity increases by office workers gained from working alongside live indoor plants go as high as 50 per cent. Increased numbers of CH2 type 'green star' buildings are the result of greater environmental awareness by office employees and unions. Council House 2 – CH2 is a visionary building leading the way in ecologically sustainable design and facility management. The building is located at 240 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Reduced litigation related to VOCs in the workplace is also an anticipated benefit. The bottom line will be relief for interior plantscapers who can look forward to supporting their current assertions with quality Australian based research in the future.
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