Is a Living Wall Right for Your Company?

A living wall can have numerous benefits for your business as well as benefitting your employees - they can increase employee productivity, make a workplace more attractive and welcoming, and even improve brand perception - but it’s not necessarily all benefits, so is a living wall the right decision for your organisation?

Let’s start with the obvious:

Can I Have a Living Wall at My Office?

Any and all offices can experience the benefits of a living wall. While some spaces are more suited to live living walls than others, artificial versions are available too, making it possible to fit some version of a living wall almost everywhere.

For example, our most impressive living walls will require a large, well lit room with good air circulation in order to keep the plants as healthy as possible. This makes them ideal for large, open areas such as foyers and reception areas.

They can also be custom fit into brand new buildings, including building irrigation systems underneath the living wall to keep it hydrated consistently without additional work. This actually saves money in the long run as it means that specific area of the wall doesn’t need to be plastered or painted as usual.

Unfortunately, certain buildings make this a lot more difficult. You may have already carpeted the entire reception area, or an area with low lighting such as a restaurant. In such situations, if it’s hard to find an appropriate spot for a real living wall, artificial ones could be your next best step.

There are also options such as real moss walls that can provide a high impact first impression in offices but are much easier to fit and need next to no maintenance.

Live panels or dividers are also available to give you all of the benefits of living walls but with less of the commitment and cost.

What are the benefits of Living Walls?

If you’re wondering if living walls are right for you, then you need to think about the potential benefits.

They’re aesthetically pleasing

One of the main advantages of living walls is their aesthetic appeal. Integrating vibrant, lush greenery into your workplace can transform a sterile environment into a visually stunning and calming space. The beautiful foliage not only adds a touch of nature but also contributes to a positive and inviting atmosphere for both employees and visitors.

They can be beneficial to employee wellbeing and productivity

Beyond their visual allure, living walls have been linked to improved employee wellbeing and productivity and are often cited as a desired employee benefit. The presence of greenery has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall mental well-being. A workplace that prioritises employee health is likely to see increased productivity and job satisfaction.

They provide great insulation

Living walls act as natural insulators, helping to regulate temperature within the workplace. This insulation property contributes to energy efficiency, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. As a result, companies can benefit from cost savings on energy bills while maintaining a comfortable working environment for their employees.

They can help with noise pollution

In bustling office environments, noise pollution can be a significant concern. Living walls, with their dense vegetation, serve as effective sound absorbers, helping to dampen noise levels. This is particularly beneficial in open-plan offices, where reducing ambient noise can lead to a quieter and more focused workspace, leading to improved employee wellbeing.

They improve air quality

One of the most crucial advantages of living walls is their capacity to improve indoor air quality. Plants naturally filter pollutants, such as formaldehyde and benzene, providing employees with cleaner and healthier air to breathe. This enhancement in air quality contributes to a healthier workforce, reducing the likelihood of respiratory issues.

They can help promote sustainability

For companies committed to environmental responsibility, living walls offer a sustainable solution. The incorporation of greenery into the workplace contributes to a positive environmental impact by promoting biodiversity and reducing a company's carbon footprint. This commitment to sustainability can enhance a company's reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious clients and employees. Choosing a company that prioritises sustainability, like phs Greenleaf, can also help you maintain your green principles.

They can help reduce the ‘urban heat island’ effect

Living walls play a role in mitigating the "urban heat island" effect, a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. The vegetation on living walls helps cool the surrounding air, contributing to a more comfortable outdoor environment and supporting broader efforts to combat urban heat.

They’re an excellent way to make the most of space in your workplace

Maximising available space is an ongoing challenge for businesses. Living walls provide a vertical solution, allowing companies to incorporate greenery without sacrificing valuable floor space. This efficient use of space is not only practical but also adds a unique and dynamic element to the overall workplace design.

Best Locations for Living Walls

Living walls can be added to almost any area of your building, but for genuine live living walls, light will always be the primary concern. As mentioned above, an airy and well-lit reception area is often the best option.

In darkened rooms, living walls can still work, but a grow light may be necessary.

If this isn’t an option, moss walls can look exquisite while having much lower light requirements, allowing them to thrive in many more potential areas.

Why Choose an Artificial Living Wall?

Artificial living walls bring most of the benefits of real ones (but not all). The upside is that they can be placed literally anywhere they can be supported, with water, light, air flow etc not being a concern. They also require zero maintenance and can be taken with you when you move premises - however, the downside is that they are often made from plastic, making them significantly worse for the environment.

Living Walls with phs Greenleaf

phs Greenleaf is the UK’s leading supplier of living walls - indoor and outdoor, real and artificial alike. Our living walls have been used in spas, schools, shops, healthcare facilities, offices and more.

Whatever the environment or location, our specialist team members can recommend the ideal plants, as well as carrying out installation with minimal interruption.

With over 25 years of horticultural experience, there isn’t a better team to place your trust in. To learn more about our products and services, get in touch today.

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