Our Purpose
is to inform decision makers of the significant environmental, health, business productivity and aesthetic benefits of including live plants in our indoor environments
Green Plants for Green Buildings Newsletter 22-Dec-09-Edition 1
BREAKING NEWS from Green Plants for Green Buildings
GPGB LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE! Features Ongoing LEED Certified Projects Which Have Earned Credits For Interior Plant Installations!Below is a quick overview of the initial project profile.
LEED--Credits for Interior Plants Project at a Glance:
Ecology and Environment Headquarters building in Lancaster NY
LEED Credit Awarded for Plants:
Innovation
In Operation and Maintenance credit under LEED for existing buildings
2.0. The specific credit is for the Biophilic connection and the
narrative below features a plant list, environmental benefits and
references to research found elsewhere on this website (see Articles and Research sections).
Click the links on the dedicated web page to review the details about this amazing project
including the project narrative as submitted by project coordinator,
Linda Thomas for E &E, the LEED Scorecard and a photo selection.
Note:
Presenting this project is particularly rewarding for GPGB. Not only
did the project coordinator glean elements of her research from the
Green Plants for Green Buildings website, she even quoted the group
(under it's former name) in the body of the submittal.
More GPGB News
If you were there you know that GPGB was a huge hit at CalScape this year. With a well attended reception featuring a live update on 'Project Carbon' from Dr. Bodie V. Pennisi, Associate Professor, University of Georgia, Department of Horticulture. Look for her presentation at TPIE for even more findings. GPGB will also be on hand to offer ways to make the message increase your business...
Mike Lewis, current GPGB President spearheaded a hugely successful presence throughout the CalScape event with a booth displaying one of the sharp new PowerPoint's, T-shirts that went fast, fundraising contest that featured prizes from generous donors including a beachfront condo stay, Kathy Fediw's successful training offerings, a 'Holiday Package' from Plant Interscapes' Mike Senneff and much more. The effort reflected a compelling renewed interest in all the many productive projects underway with GPGB and many became first time supporters, renewed support and increased current support levels. Thanks to all who made GPGB's CalScape activities a sweeping success! Please visit the new site. Below are a few sample articles and helpful news items found on the site.
From harvest festivals to tailgate football parties, the colorful fall season is in full swing. Crisp air and cooler nights signal the holidays are right around the corner! If you're looking for ways to add a festive and unique touch to your home, think live plants. Rather than rummaging through basements and attics for holiday decorations or buying yet another centerpiece, plants add long-lasting year-round style and cheer to any home. Live plants are a perfect way to add instant... [More Info]
I should be a lot nicer to the plant struggling along on my dining-room windowsill. The poor, wilted thing could be improving the air quality in my home. Research in this area is, if you will, blossoming. Last month, Pennsylvania State University researchers published a study suggesting houseplants can cleanse indoor air of ozone. They focused on three that are low-cost and low-maintenance - snake plant, spider plant, and a pothos like mine. Researchers upped the ozone levels in airtight... [More Info]
plants in a pot Mobility. What gardener hasn't wished that a plant grew somewhere else? Plants in pots are easy to move around. Light up a dark corner with pots of white, pink, or yellow flowering shade lovers such as impatiensand Helichrysum. Some plants with a shortblooming period, such as lilies or foxglove, look magnificent in containers and grow well in those temporary quarters. Transplant them to the garden when they're finished blooming. Of course, if you are about to move... [More Info]
New Research Demonstrates Why Lean Is Mean (in the Office) The research, developed in partnership with the University of Exeter, suggests that the prevailing preference for 'lean space,' which is typified by a uniform approach to design, generally leads to a heightened sense of alienation among employees, discomfort in the workplace and symptoms of sick building syndrome.
Plants add some life to drab office cubicles How does your cubicle By Virginia A. Smith The Philadelphia Inquirer We spend what, eight, 10 hours a day in our grim-gray cubicles at work? They're all alike, with their faded fabric dividers affording no privacy and dirt-brown carpets darkened with hints of soup and soda. But here's a practical road to workplace relief: the cubby garden. You look around and see a garden flowering. It lifts your spirits, said Marilyn E. Reynolds, an... [More Info]
NZ Business, Aug 2009 Ambius, the new name for Initial Tropical Plants, comes with a fresh 'greener on the inside' motto highlighting plants as a necessity for indoor environments.The new name is part of a programme demonstrating the proven health benefits of plants in office workplaces, says Ambius New Zealand spokesman. Grant McEwen. Recognition of the role of indoor plants is growing with the New Zealand Green Building Council awarding up to two points towards green star ratings for indoor... [More Info]
For many of us the summer is almost gone except for the occasional spike in temperature - the last long rays of sun and the ever changing colors of explosive reds, oranges and yellow leaves are upon us. For others the change of season is a minimally noticed drop in temperature and a little less sunshine; for others it’s the rainy season. No matter where you live, some type of change is inevitable. As our green walls change how do we maintain them and ensure their success? As you may know,... [More Info]
The early Spring is normally our busy show season and between the Go Green Expo NYC and GRSC in Baltimore, it is great to be back home. Beside the busy spring show season it is also time to garden! Personally, my gardens have become my time to relax, and even better an opportunity to involve my family. The kids help plant and my wife makes jam and pickles from what we harvest. Since 3,000 BC families produced crops for their own consumption and some marginal barter. In 1840, 69% of... [More Info]
It is our wish that this September update finds you amidst solid holiday sales and a profitable outlook to autumn. To better serve supporters, we have officially launched work with a national Web-marketing firm and expect to be going live with a new Web site later this month, just prior to the CalScape expo. The site, with separate and clearly identified paths for both end users as well as our industry members, will afford supporters enhanced content, navigation, and optimized search engine... [More Info]
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