Living walls are vertical structures that can be used as an effective method of integrating living nature into urban environments, transforming the exterior aesthetically whilst producing many sustainable benefits.

Installing living walls contribute many advantages; environmentally, ecologically, economically, architecturally and for the benefit of humanity. In 2020, urban greening solutions have never been more crucial and living walls represent the future of sustainable methods in architecture.

Vertical vegetation and planting systems allow highly populated and thus, polluted cities to improve air quality. Plants achieve air purification through microbes of their plant roots, extracting carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, transforming both into nutrients during photosynthesis.

Statistics highlight that 1 m2 of greenery can extract 2.3kg of CO2 from the air per annum and produce 1.7kg of Oxygen. Vegetation enables a barrier to form between traffic emissions and adjacent areas, significantly reducing CO2 levels within urban areas. Living Walls produce a low Carbon Footprint. Plants absorb 50% of sunlight and reflect 30%, thus a cooler and more pleasant climate is achieved. Due to this, the internal environment requires 33% less air conditioning in summer months and further energy savings are made.

Selecting an optimal configuration of plants can considerably increase biodiversity, attracting a colourful variety of insects, butterflies and birds into a given area, creating a more sustainable ecosystem in urban environments. Especially within a city environment, mainly constructed of concrete and asphalt. Living Walls provide a natural rainwater buffer. The absorption of the rainwater delays the discharge to sewage systems and purifies the water. Water can also evaporate through the plants. This natural system helps stabilise groundwater levels, reduces peak loads onto sewage systems and thus, reduces any risks of flooding. Introducing vertical gardening techniques increases available space for growing produce in urban environments.

Green walls reduce UV exposure damage to buildings, provide protection from weather and temperature fluctuations, therefore prolonging the lifespan of the structure and significantly reduce maintenance costs. The Living Wall can achieve a lifespan of up to 25 years, outliving many outdated construction materials. Maintenance can be also achieved using a rainwater harvesting tank, or manually filled during summer months, ensuring an adequate supply of irrigation water, which is distributed evenly. Gravity pulls excess water downward, ensuring no waste. Their sustainable qualities prove energy-cost efficient too.

Plant transpiration processes not only reduces overall temperatures of buildings when exposed to sunlight but also limit the amount of heat escaping during winter months and reduce the interior temperature during summer months. Living Walls create a fire-resistant layer.

Due to plants naturally containing high moisture levels, a natural fire-resistant layer is added. Living walls are visual indicators and representatives of sustainable design. Enabling qualification for additional eco-accreditation and sustainability schemes, which can contribute to successful planning applications. The natural and sustainable aesthetic, combined with consequent energy reduction costs, increase the properties value. Studies show buildings which are viewed as a symbol of positive social and environmental performance, is an attractive quality.

Studies highlight that a connection with nature provides uplifting and calming effects, whilst positively impacting stress and mend mental fatigue . Due to the human bodies natural 1 reaction whilst being surrounded by natural elements2. Positive moods enhance learning and more efficient decision making. A green workspace result in a 15% increase in productivity and therefore positively effects overall satisfaction. In addition to health impacts, improved air quality has proven to advance alertness and cognitive abilities3. Living Walls encourage social interaction and deter vandalism. Studies demonstrate that greenery positively effects social cohesion in neighbourhoods. Living walls enable a reduction of noise pollution too, creating a suitable environment for various occupants. They are able to act as an additional sound barrier. By absorbing 41% more sound (in comparison to traditional facades) a reduction of up to 3 dB is achieved.

There are various forms of living walls available. The archetype descriptions vary according to space, size and model type. Living wall production and design consistently evolve and develop, in keeping with contemporary requirements and flexible environments. Modern techniques encouraging and supporting growth of biodiverse plantation, producing a deliberate and controlled covering of the facade, has evolved in recent years.

Words: Jessie Buckle