Living walls, also known as vertical gardens or green walls, are a sustainable solution that can help buildings and businesses achieve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.
What is ESG?
ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, is a framework that businesses and property owners are increasingly focusing on. It goes beyond just financial performance and considers the impact a company has on the environment, its employees, and society as a whole. In today’s world, stakeholders are looking to businesses to operate in a sustainable and responsible way. By implementing strong ESG practices, businesses and building owners can attract investors, improve employee morale, and even lead to lower operating costs
Environmental Factors of a Living Wall
Environmental benefits are a key aspect of ESG mandates. The environmental portion considers factors such as energy use, waste reduction, and climate change, and living walls can provide a number of significant contributions in this area. A biofilter living wall is a living wall that actively circulates the air in a space and has the ability to filter and purify the air. The plants and their byproducts absorb harmful airborne pollutants and release oxygen back into the air, creating a healthier indoor environment. This can be especially beneficial in urban areas, where air quality is often poor.
By purifying the air that already exists within an indoor setting, you can also reduce the air intake requirement of the building which can then lessen the load on heating and cooling systems and subsequently lower energy consumption.
Furthermore, unlike traditional methods that trap toxins in filters destined for landfills, living walls capture and permanently destroy harmful pollutants without requiring disposable filters. This not only reduces indoor air pollution but also eliminates the environmental burden of discarded filters, creating a truly closed-loop system for cleaner air and a healthier planet.
Social Factors of a Living Wall
Socially, ESG looks at fair labour practices, diversity, and community engagement. The social benefits of living walls relate more to the areas of community engagement and occupant well-being. Living walls add a touch of beauty and a connection to nature within the built environment, creating a more pleasant and inviting environment for people to live and work in. The vibrant colours and lush greenery of the plants can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation among employees, clients, customers, and residents, which can improve overall well-being and productivity.
Living walls can also serve as a natural source of inspiration and creativity. The process of nurturing and caring for plants can help stimulate the mind and encourage creative thinking, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to foster innovation and problem-solving skills among their employees. Additionally, these installations often provide a unique and attractive feature that can help businesses to stand out and differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Governance Factors of a Living Wall
The governance components focus on ethical leadership, transparency, and risk management. How does a living wall contribute to this area? The biggest factor is that living walls, along with other forms of functional green infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, forward-thinking and environmental conservation, which can enhance a company’s reputation. This can also help businesses to attract and retain clients and employees who value sustainable practices.
At New Earth Solutions we go the extra step to actively monitor pollutants and help our clients take steps to improve their indoor air quality, which allows them to showcase transparency and accountability in their building practices. This data becomes evidence of their commitment to a healthy work environment for employees and tenants. And this focus on responsible environmental management reflects positively on their company’s overall governance strategy.
Overall, living walls are a great way for buildings and businesses to hit their ESG targets and contribute to a more sustainable future. With their numerous environmental, social, and governance benefits, these features can provide a valuable and lasting addition to any building.