Air Quality Improvement

• Gaseous pollutants are absorbed through photosynthesis and airborne particulate matter is trapped in the leaves.
• Gas exchange by the plants helps to add oxygen to the air therefore helping to reduce smog.
• Rooftop microclimate is produced with cooler due to transpiration of the plants therefore reducing the cost of the air transfer hot to cool in air conditioning = less expensive air conditioning. Less air conditioning means less electricity consumption which means less power generation from nuclear and fossil fuel burning plants which improves air quality further
• Living walls cool the ambient air temperature (reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect) in cities which means less smog days.
• Studies have shown that 150 sq m of plant surface area produces enough oxygen for one person for 24 hours.
• Cleaner air is a direct benefit to asthma sufferers the elderly and young who are limited to indoor activities on "Bad Air" days

Toronto Atmospheric Fund

 

Temperature Regulation

• Living Walls help address the Urban Heat Island Effect which is the phenomenon of thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped areas.
• Most of the sun's energy is re-radiated as heat. Planted areas only reflect 20% of the sun's energy.
• Living walls insulate buildings by external shading, cool industrial buildings and create microclimates, which can alter the climate of a city as a whole.

 

Reduction of storm water run off

• Living walls can be used as part of a stormwater retention system to help slow the flow off the roof during a storm event. Moderation of water temperatures and natural water filters.
• Currently we have between 80-100 % drainage in most cities
• In a Natural Cycle 30% of the water is used by plants, 30% percolates to aquifers, 40% returned to the atmosphere therefore No surface runoff
• In a Metropolitan/Urban Cycle 5% to goes to aquifers, 15% to the atmosphere and 75% to surface runoff
• Major 2" rainstorm generates about 1.25 gallons per square foot of rainwater.

The City of Portland, Oregon is a leader in developing and implementing green roof policies focusing on controlling stormwater runoff.

www.sustainableportland.org

 

Improvement of building performance

• German studies show that plant material growing on a roof and walls can help a building retain up to 50% of the heat typically lost to convection.
• Living Walls have the capacity to provide Sound insulation.
• Additional visual amenity space.
• Additional thermal insulation.

 

LEED Certification Information

 

Habitat and Ecological benefits

• Possibilities for habitat preservation and protection of flora and fauna.
• Replaces land taken by buildings and thereby contributes to preserving biological diversity.
• Beautifies otherwise barren eyesores of our cityscape and provide unique opportunities for design and creativity.
• Increased urban habitat for song birds and butterflies.
• Health and horticultural therapy applications.
• Movement, colour, sound and texture of plants add to the overall health and well being of citizens.
• The community overall will also benefit from the environmental improvements mentioned above.