People have been using plants such as ferns and succulents to brighten up their homes for millennia, but how much of an impact do they have on our environment and wellbeing? A new project led by the University of Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) will explore the role of plants and green infrastructure in improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and promoting health in the face of climate change.
Building on the success of the RECLAIM Network Plus, which focuses on addressing urban environmental challenges through green and blue infrastructure, the new GREENIN Micro Network Plus project brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts from the University of Oxford, University of York, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), University of Bath, and Cranfield University to investigate how indoor plants can improve air quality, regulate temperature and control humidity inside buildings.
With £600,000 funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), researchers aim to conduct collaborative studies to expand knowledge on the broader health benefits of indoor greening, create practical guidelines and actionable solutions to enhance the design of both working and living spaces, and promote the wider use of green infrastructure.
Professor Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of GCARE and leader of Micro Network Plus, said:
“While outdoor greening solutions like green walls and trees are well-researched and increasingly popular, we lack a clear understanding of how indoor plants affect indoor environmental quality, their interplay with outdoor greening near buildings, and how their impact will change as the climate warms. This new project presents an opportunity to answer essential questions about indoor greening and its potential to transform the way we live and work.
“The integration of indoor plants into building design could help us meet Net Zero goals, improving both the energy efficiency of buildings and the wellbeing of their occupants. Our findings could well help policymakers and designers make informed decisions that create healthier, safer living environments for future generations.”
The network also includes a collaboration of 27 local and international partners, including government organisations, academic institutions, councils, and charities that are committed to tackling the complex challenges of improving urban indoor spaces via the GREENIN Micro Network Plus Project, titled “Greening the Indoors: transformation of indoor environments in changing climate”.
Dr Mark Gush, Head of Environmental Horticulture at RHS Garden Wisley, one of the partners for Micro Network Plus, said
"We’ve long recognised the profound impact that indoor plants can have on human health and wellbeing. With people spending an estimated 90% of their time inside and the government about to embark on an ambitious housing drive, understanding the role that plants can play in filtering the air and regulating humidity to promote greener living spaces with wellbeing benefits, has never been more important. We’re excited to be part of this collaborative effort and believe the insights will be invaluable in shaping the future of urban design.”
The research will build on existing knowledge, and has wide-ranging potential benefits, providing evidence on whether and how indoor plants improve IEQ and create healthier spaces. This includes studying air quality, hygrothermal control – which is the regulation of temperature and humidity to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment – and the biological, social, and psychological effects of indoor greening.
Daniel Williams, Public Health Principal (Healthy Places) at Portsmouth City Council, another of the Network’s partners, said:
"We are excited to join the GREENIN project and work alongside forward-thinking partners to advance sustainable solutions. With a focus on indoor air pollution emerging as a key aspect of the Clean Air Strategy that we are currently developing, this initiative is a valuable opportunity to better understand and enhance indoor environmental quality, and to invest in natural infrastructure which improves the wellbeing of our communities and the resilience of our urban spaces."
The project is part of UKRI's broader initiative to fund transformative research that addresses key societal challenges, including climate change, urbanisation and public health – particularly for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with health conditions sensitive to poor air quality. The funding will allow a range of activities, from testing greening interventions to engaging with local communities and stakeholders. This will form the basis for guidelines and policy advice that could shape future building design and urban planning.
Members of the public, researchers, policymakers and industry professionals are invited to join the GREENIN network by completing the online membership form here: Become a member today — GREENIN
The project will officially launch with a GREENIN webinar on Wednesday, 22 October, 1pm-2:30pm, where attendees can hear from leading experts, learn more about the project’s goals and explore opportunities for collaboration. Register for the event here.
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