Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Winter 2012 - (Page 31)

enter the building. Richard Cook (Cook + Fox) said “human health and productivity became a defining issue.” According to The Dirt, by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Bank of America confirmed that a one percent increase in productivity actually resulted in gains of around ten million dollars. The panelists agreed it is time to further focus on these benefits as there is momentum in this area. Joe Zazzerra further commented on the undeveloped use of interior plants for energy savings. A potential driver of additional indoor plant research and interior plant inclusion is the potential energy savings due to fewer air exchanges by the HVAC system. Energy is a key driver of green and LEED buildings; it makes sense that reducing the number of air exchanges and using indoor plants to improve indoor air quality, reduces energy costs and improves occupant well-being at the same time. While the interior plant industry continues to work with designers, property managers and building owners, the embrace of the living wall fits perfectly into the end result. Dr. Darlington’s arguments are all competing against “painting the wall.” “I think we would all agree that almost any plant wall is better than a painted wall.” Dr. Darlington eloquently spoke about the difference between the ‘significant’ and ‘substantial’ impact of interior plants. “There is little question that plants have a significant impact on indoor air quality. In terms of photosynthetic activity, plants do remove CO2 from indoor air. The fixation is reflected in a “I think we would all agree that almost any plant wall is better than a painted wall.” net positive growth of the plants. This can be measured and quantified and is therefore ‘significant.’” While Dr. Darlington’s research shows CO2 and VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) removal to be significant, not substantial; he does say, “With design, it is possible to address the limiting factors and create systems that do have a substantial impact on air quality. For example, the biofiltration approach to living walls forces the air into the biozone (the root zone), where the VOC degrading microbes exist, thereby removing the factors that are limiting the substantive impact of the biology. With this approach, a single square meter of biofilter for every 5 to 10 occupants can reduce VOCs in a typical space by 20 to 30 percent.” Dr. Pennisi, advocated the use of indoor plants through her research with Project Carbon and ongoing projects at the University of Georgia. “Living plants grown in typical interiorscape environments remove a wide variety of harmful volatile organic pollutants during the day, while microorganisms living in the soil around their roots remove VOCs during the night.” The key to Dr. Pennisi’s research is not whether the plants benefit the indoor environment, but rather the amount of carbon removed by an individual plant. Pennisi continues, “Our research has shown that the larger and more woody the plant, the more mass (and carbon) it will accumulate in its body. While a typical interiorscape installation does not remove as much carbon dioxide from indoor air compared to its outdoor counterparts, the fact remains that, as a whole living system indoor plants along with associated soil microorganisms do remove pollutants from air.” A well-maintained plant in a well-designed planter creates an aesthetic and adds sense of interest to a space. Dr. Pennisi is enthusiastic that, “Ongoing research will continue to shed more light on the mystery and potential of this truly amazing machine – the living green plant.” Amanda L. Culver, LEED AP ID+C, GRP Gibson Landscape Services, Account Executive, Birmingham, Alabama. RESOURCES www.greenplantsforgreenbuildings.com www.newyorker.com www.dirt.asla.org Cook + Fox http://vimeo.com/17604569 LIVING ARCHITECTURE MONITOR / WINTER 2012 / 31 http://www.greenplantsforgreenbuildings.com http://www.newyorker.com http://dirt.asla.org http://www.vimeo.com/17604569 http://www.turfdiag.com http://www.turfdiag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Winter 2012

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Winter 2012
Contents
From the Founder
Bookshelf
New Kid on the Green Roof
New Incentives for Green Roofs
On the Roof with Ben Flanner
Award Winning Green Roof and Wall Projects Represent!
Awards of Excellence Profiles
CitiesAlive 2012 – Building a Legacy of Outstanding Performance in Chicago!
Recognizing the Pioneer that was Malcolm Wells
Green roof and wall performance standards volunteers required!
Plant Profile: Thymus
Project Profile: Green Wall Maintenance Madness
GRP in Focus: Mary Ann Uhlmann
Project Profile: Healthy Haven for Community Members
A Positive Outlook for Urban Greening of Vacant Lots
A Green Space is a Clean Space
The Ambassador Program
Professional Calendar
New Corporate Members
GRHC Buyers Guide
Back to Planning’s Roots

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Winter 2012