Can plants be considered a building service?

Abstract

Plants are utilised in many forms within indoor environments, from simple houseplants to complex and species-rich green walls. Plants offer multi-faceted services indoors including pollutant removal and reductions in building energy consumption. This review firstly identifies – by critical assessment of the literature – pollutants which are currently measured at harmful concentrations indoors – classifying them as ‘2019’s priority pollutants’ and providing thorough health assessments of each. Secondly, the authors present which indoor plants have been shown to effectively remove ‘2019’s priority pollutants’ and direct future research onto any that have not been investigated. Thirdly, the authors consolidate the current research presenting why plants should be considered a building service. Practical application: Plants are commonly used inside indoor environments. However, the benefits they bring are often overstated. This review paper looks to consolidate the current academic research on the various services plants can provide indoors including pollutant removal and relative humidity regulation. The authors hope that the paper can be used to inform and educate building service engineers and alike on the current state of play concerning indoor plants.

Potted plants can remove the pollutant nitrogen dioxide indoors

“…These however require a significantly increased amount of energy, irrigation considerations and thorough maintenance in comparison to simple potted plants and may not be suitable for all environments-albeit whilst providing greater removal (Cummings and Waring 2020). Thus, passive low-tech potted plant NO 2 removal should not be overlooked given the wide and immediate availability across the globe and a significant potential to improve indoor air quality (for a review of research on indoor pollutant removal services of houseplants, see Gubb et al 2020), particularly, in small offices in urban environments without smart, active ventilation systems. For occupants of these offices, a realistic number of potted plants may have comparable health benefits to clean air policies that are obviously crucial to reduce NO 2 exposure outdoors.…”