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Green Plants for Green Buildings

Green plants for green buildings is not a new design idea. Architects have included green amenities in buildings for the past two decades to provide air filtration and oxygenation while decreasing carbon footprints or heat pollution. The green roof movement, green exterior designs and green interior designs are all examples of green plants for green building designs. Green building design is engineered for energy efficiency, according to Kenneth Freeman of Ambius University.

  1. Green Roofs

    • Most cities are nearly 10 degrees warmer than surrounding areas. The vast expanses of concrete and asphalt reflect heat into the air surrounding cities instead of absorbing heat the way natural areas do. Chicago is one of the leading green roof cities, and even offers green roof grants to local businesses looking to install a green roof, according to Emily Pilloton of Inhabitat Magazine. Green roofs use plants to combat heat pollution and air pollution.

    Green Exterior Design

    • Green exterior design buildings incorporate green plants into exterior building designs to promote increased air filtration and oxygenation. According to Bridgette Meinhold of Inhabitat Magazine, Italian architect Gaetano Pesce's famous Organic Building in Osaka, Japan, was built in 1993 and gained worldwide acclaim for incorporating indigenous plants within several planters covering the building façade. Pesce's planters are monitored and watered with a computer-controlled hydroponic pipe system. Osaka city-appointed horticulturists select and care for the plants.

    Green Interior Design

    • Green interior design involves the use of plants to filter home or office air while regulating temperatures and reducing noise and energy costs, according to Freeman. Green interior design involves more than just adding a plant, it incorporates plants into the design and layout of all aspects of the building including sub-floor watering systems and window placement to promote the growth and maintenance of interior green spaces while reducing the costs of air-conditioning and air filtration.

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