Green Plants for Green Buildings Articles RSS Feed

A Response to Concerns About Mold and Indoor Plants

admin@gpgb — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Indoor Fungal Infestations and Mycotoxicity

State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services

Interior Plants Influence On Airborne Microbes Inside Energy-efficient Buildings

Dr. B.C. Wolverton

21-Jul-10 1:00 PM

Nature Makes us More Caring Study Shows

M J Gilhooley — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Nature Makes Us More Caring

16-Jan-10 1:00 AM

CalScape 2009/ TPIE 2010: Interior Landscapers Stand Behind Their Message!

M J Gilhooley — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Industry on Fire! CalScape 2009 and TPIE 2010

Prizes, Presentations and Solid Plans at CalScape Positioned GPGB Into Playoffs! Let's Take the Super Bowl at TPIE

--A Successful TPIE could be "the" final run for securing required LEED Credits, First-Class National 'Project Carbon' Marketing Campaign and Increasingly Impressive Research, Resources, Presentations, and Profit Margins! Huddle NOW. Let's Make it Happen.

Thanks to many of you, CalScape was a huge success for GPGB. The Friday afternoon reception, sponsored by Plants in Design featuring a 'Project Carbon' update from Dr. Pennisi, was well attended and everyone was going for the prizes (a raffle among those who signed up actually on site). The holiday gift package donated by the Senneff's of Plant Interscapes went to Paul Levy from Rolling Greens, who joined our effort with a $2,400/year level commitment.

Kathy Fediw of Johnson Fediw Associates graciously donated her Green Certification prize for which there was good interest in, drawing many new supporter sign-up's hoping to win!

The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition, January 14-16 will again be the home of our "famed" Lobby1 booth (again, generously provided by FNGLA) directly to the right as you enter the main convention doors. The booth will have an edited PowerPoint on display that you definitely want to check out, samples of literature, a poster recognizing all the Supporter Companies and levels of support that keep this GPGB train running on it's rails and at warp speed. Plenty of attractive and active men and women (likely sporting program T-shirts) to address your questions.

PLEASE don't miss these very important TPIE events:

GPGB will be offering the 'Train the Trainer' session, open to all GPGB supporters at the $250 level or higher. This priceless opportunity positioning your company to impress key prospects in your area is being offered by our LEED AP and Excellent Program Trainer, Kathy Fediw, CLT, CLP, on FRIDAY, JANUARY 15th, 1:30- 4:30 p.m. in training Room 304! EZ Sign Up Online!

Dr. Pennisi who has been busy measuring the carbon assimilation rates from interior plants, is a key presenter at TPIE this year, sharing her most recent findings and progress on 'Project Carbon', an NFF/GPGB joint effort. Once you hear her, we hope you will want to help us spread the word on how critical it is that we raise the funds necessary to launch a national, professional and credible marketing campaign once those results are solid. Until then, get the latest at the show! See you at Lobby1!

1-Jan-10 9:00 AM

A New Rich Resource for Interior Landscapers and Building Professionals

M J Gilhooley — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:00:00 GMT

A cleaner, clearer and more current GPGB web site has launched! While in it's infant stages, we will be able to update easily and quickly via our new content manager system. Your input and materials (photos, case studies, editorials, etc.) are encouraged. Please send such materials to mj@greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org. Please indicate with signature that you release all rights of use to GPGB when submitting....we would love to include what you have to share!

Tracking hundreds of USGBC green build professional visitors per month, we wanted to build a resource they would not only bookmark but, like our current featured LEED Credit Project, actually reference it on the LEED Certification Applications.

As the former 'find a provider" page reports indicated heavy traffic, we wanted to make it easier than ever for those seeking professionals in their region with a regional linked map and a smoother index listings. The new site is a rich, deep portal with designated paths specifically for building professionals, interior landscape professionals and consumers interested in incorporating the innovative use of plants in ways that are consistent with LEED principles. Learn More

It offers a variety of ways interior plants can produce the same desired environmental effects as many 'green' engineered products at considerably lower cost. A key site feature is the LEED Credit Portfolio, featuring rotating profiles of certified building projects that have successfully earned credits toward LEED certification based on the inclusion of indoor plants in the design. Also a LEED Showcase has been added which provides shots of LEED certified projects which, while they did not earn credits for plants, they did thoughtfully include them into their projects. A ‘Gallery of Greenery’ has been started and will feature both award winning projects as well as striking installations from every commercial sector and homes. Please feel free to submit any shots you think would speak to the excellence of this artform.

There's also an overview of the most recent literature on scientific benefits of indoor plants, including their role in reducing carbon dioxide in the environment. A wide variety of published articles are posted as well as an index of green initiatives undertaken by interior plant professionals. We have included a region-by-region 'Provider Locator' to make it easier to find our supporters where ever they are--including Canada and England. Key links to other trade organizations, research and noteworthy case projects are The site is also meant to spark interest in interior plants by featuring updated videos on the wellness properties of interior plants and a gallery of award-winning interior plantscapes.

Ask about advertising opportunities as they are limited!

1-Jan-10 7:00 AM

Interiorscape Project Paves Way, Securing LEED Credits

M J Gilhooley — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Interior Landscape Project Secures LEED Credits

LEED awards credits for the inclusion interior plantscapes via the Innovation in Upgrades, Operations & Maintenance (IUOM) Credit 1.2

Biophilic Connection.

Since 2002 Green Plants for Green Buildings (formerly known as Plants at Work), has continuously engaged the USGBC through numerous channels to share awareness of the environmental and human-centered benefits of indoor plants. A few of those efforts have included:

· Detailed submissions during open public comment periods

· Submissions and approvals to present the facts to the Greenbuild attendees in 2005

· Submission and a USGBC approval to offer the GPGB Continuing Education Message as CEU's available to all green builders and required by LEED AP's.

· Formation of a formal LEED Advocacy Board Position and Committee lead by LEED AP, Joseph Zazzera

· An organized call for industry members to offer online petitions for LEED credit suggestions.

· Extensive networking and exhibiting at the 2009 Greenbuild Expo

In turn, the USGBC's green building certification program, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has demonstrated a growing understanding and appreciation of the human health and well being quotient in the credit arena.

Today, while consultations and conversations are ablaze around the topic of augmenting certification criteria to include credits for the inclusion of interior plants, innovative and inspired project managers have moved along. Project coordinator, Linda Thomas for E &E (The Ecology and Environment) Headquarters building in Lancaster, NY submitted and was awarded the first known case in which LEED credits have been awarded specifically for interior plants.

The project submission positioned the interior plant designs in the Innovation in Operation and Maintenance credit category under LEED for Existing Buildings 2.0. More specifically, the credit was awarded for the Biophilic connection.

E & E’s Headquarter Building provides a connection to the natural world through the use of indoor plantings, the use of natural and local materials, proximity to animals, and other biophilic design attributes.

Presenting this news to the interior plant and professional building industries 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!

1-Jan-10 7:00 AM

Green Plants for Green Buildings Newsletter 22-Dec-09-Edition 1

M J Gilhooley — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Learn More About LEED Project

General Press Release--GPGB's New Web Site

Visit the New Web Site!

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.

Articles

Articles for 23-Oct-09 to 22-Dec-09

Plants add Year-Round Style, Cheer to Decor

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]

Green Space: Plants, at Work Cleaning Our Air

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]

Better Homes and Gardens-Potted Plant Benefits-Big Splash for Little Cash

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)

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

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]

GREEN IS GOOD FOR PRODUCTIVITY

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]

Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant

Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant

The Effect of Plants and Artificial Daylight on the Well-Being and Health of Office Workers, School Children, and Health Care Personnel

/attachments/wysiwyg/7/SymposiumFjeld.pdf

Successful Maintenance on Green Walls

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]

How Does Your Garden Grow? Vertical!

Plants add Year-Round Style, Cheer to Decor

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT

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 holiday style to any home and they're affordable and eco-friendly," says Justin W. Hancock, editor of Better Homes & Gardens online (BHG.com).These "green heroes" also provide oxygen and clean the indoor air as they provide holiday warmth and year-round pleasure!

Here are some tips from the plant pros at Costa Farms to add live plants for holiday charm:

Enhance your home's proportions and style: Whether you live in a traditional stately home or small apartment, live plants add dimension and texture to any space. Long-lasting, indoor plants like the affordable Norfolk Island pine, fit any lifestyle and décor.

"Decorating with live plants like the Norfolk Island pine is a home trend, "says Hancock. "Miniature evergreens work in a container on the mantel, as a centerpiece in the middle of the table or decorated in the kid's room for fun."

Small enough for a tabletop display or large enough to be a dramatic focal point of any room, they tuck nicely into tight spaces in apartments, dorm rooms, patios or cozy corners. From 14 to 44 inches tall, the Norfolk Island Pines come fully decorated, or ready for your creative touch with mini lights and homemade ornaments.

Instantly change the atmosphere of any room: Think of the impact you want to make in your living room, family, or dining room. Color and the shape of the plants, arranged in simple containers or elaborate planters, can grab attention as a focal point, or be an understated accent for larger pieces.

"Mini moth orchids are a great choice for people looking for a dramatic centerpiece for their dining room table," says Hancock." Their exotic shape and stunning colors enhance any size room."

Mini-orchids are readily available, require easy-care, are affordable, and provide months of blooms with little to no effort.

These beauties come in a wide range of colors in both 3-inch and 6-inch pots. Use as a stand-alone or group them under a seasonal table runner for a striking centerpiece. Add a sprig of greens and voila´- you have instant high impact with a low price tag.

Select plant-friendly locations: Ever pass by a display of holiday plants and linger over the Christmas cactus? This tropical plant has flattened leaflike structures with tips of ruffled flowers that range in color from reds and fuchsia, oranges and creams.

"Christmas cactus is a houseplant that looks great during the holidays and will provide years of pleasure," adds Hancock. "Give it attention and the right location and you can enjoy blooms several times throughout the year."

Group them in a decorative container and add sprigs of greenery for an instant ornamental display. Place them on your kitchen countertops or windowsills for a cheery touch throughout the holidays and year-round.

Use color for greater design impact: Do you have a space you want to accentuate, or fill a hollow area that is bare and boring? Poinsettias can add a punch of vivid red, white and pink living color for your holidays.

They love bright locations and can liven up any room or space that needs a joyful color accent. And they make a perfect gift!

Poinsettias, like gingerbread houses, symbolize the holiday season," says Hancock. "Their bright colors and graceful beauty captures the essence of the holidays."

This seasonal must-have likes humidity but don't over-water. Display them in mono-color groupings for a bold statement or mix them up like living art.

With these simple tips you can enjoy the fall knowing it's easy to spruce up your home with festive live plants and share the holiday spirit with friends and family.The Norfolk Island pine is small enough for a tabletop display or tucks nicely into tight spaces.

22-Nov-09 10:00 PM

Green Space: Plants, at Work Cleaning Our Air

Sandy Bauers — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT

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 chambers to 200 parts per billion - roughly equivalent to a really bad day in a really urban area. In the control chamber with no plants, the ozone concentration took 74.8 minutes to sink to five parts per billion. The ones with plants took between 46.3 and 50.3 minutes.

A month before that, University of Georgia researchers published their study of 28 common plants. They concluded that five in particular - red ivy, English ivy, purple heart, asparagus fern, and wax plant - had "superior" ability to filter out volatile organic chemicals, including benzene, toluene, and octane.

In February, Korean researchers found that weeping fig and Fatsia japonica, an evergreen, can reduce levels of formaldehyde from smoking, gas stoves, and other sources.

This is good, because indoor air isn't all we might like it to be. The concentration of pollutants indoors often exceeds that of the outdoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. All our vehicles and factories and coal plants notwithstanding.

It's of particular concern, the agency notes, because studies show that people in industrialized nations (like the United States) spend upward of 90 percent of their time indoors.

That ghastly statistic aside - doesn't anyone go for walks anymore? - airborne contaminants can come from a plethora of sources.

They can come from stoves, heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, pesticides, cleaners, office equipment, building materials, paint, carpeting . . . and even your pet cat or dog, which has dander.

Not surprisingly, most exacerbate or cause lung problems and worse.

Some of the seminal work in the area of indoor plants and air pollution was begun after the 1969 moon landing.

Officials began to contemplate creating a permanent facility on the moon. And Bill Wolverton, then a NASA scientist at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, started studying plants in a sealed environment, as so many of our houses have become.

Many of his studies were published in the 1980s. In 1997, he published How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home or Office. It's still available.

Penn State's Dennis Decoteau, a professor of horticulture and plant ecosystem health and one of the ozone paper's authors, says plant leaves have tiny pores, called stomata, through which they more or less inhale and exhale.

Researchers think that when a plant takes in harmful molecules - ozone, VOCs, and the like - substances in the plant attack and neutralize them. You wouldn't say a plant has an immune system, but that's the gist.

There is, as usual, some dispute. Neither the EPA nor the American Lung Association is getting on the plantwagon. Both maintain that the lab results have not been replicated in the real world.

Officials caution that damp soils around plants can breed other lung-irritating nasties, like molds. (My pothos should be so lucky.)

Instead of plants, the ALA promotes things like adequate ventilation when cooking, storing pollution sources like pesticides outside, and keeping the humidity low so you don't get dust mites.

Above all, don't smoke.

Janice E. Nolen, the ALA's assistant vice president for policy and advocacy, says houseplants are, of course, "lovely. I have them in my home. But I wouldn't look for them to be a solution to indoor air pollution."

Nonetheless, Decoteau and others think there's promise aplenty. "We're just starting the conversation," he said.

Wolverton is more adamant. He says the scientific evidence is "overwhelming."

Plants even have been shown to produce negative ions that destroy microbes and give people a euphoric feeling, he says.

He and a partner, Kozaburo Takenaka, have another book, Plants: How They Contribute to Human Health and Well-Being, due this fall.

Meanwhile, Wolverton, who is 76, keeps on growing. His house, he says, "is full of plants. It's been full of plants for 30 years."

22-Nov-09 10:00 PM

Better Homes and Gardens-Potted Plant Benefits-Big Splash for Little Cash

admin gpgb — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

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 your household, containers allow you to take the garden with you.
FULL ARTICLE

22-Nov-09 9:00 PM

New Research Demonstrates Why Lean Is Mean (in the Office)

M J Gilhooley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:00:00 GMT

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.

22-Nov-09 7:00 PM

Plants add some life to drab office cubicles How does your cubicle

M J Gilhooley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:00:00 GMT

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 office-plant buff whose cubby at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is filled with green.

She knows, from experience, that office landscaping - "interiorscaping" in industry parlance - can be liberating for the soul and, as a growing body of research suggests, healthier for mind and body.

This leads to something else, sure to warm the boss's heart: Cubby gardening may even boost productivity and lower absenteeism.

Ken O'Brien, vice president/branch manager at the Souderton, Pa., regional office of Initial Tropical Plants, which installs and maintains office plants, said his three decades in the business have taught him a few things about cubicle gardening: Plants soften spaces and bring welcome color and personality to the office, especially when they're placed in decorative containers .

O'Brien likes the pointed foliage of Rex begonia, which comes in rich mixes of burgundy, reds and pinks with swirling, starry leaves. Croton is another eye-catcher, with its crunchy leaves of yellow, pink, red and orange. Aglaonema has shiny, oval leaves in fleshy, riotous shades of green.

Such an inventory illustrates a few things: Office plants are no longer monochromatic. Foliage can be fabulous. And there's a lot more variety out there.

Just like their outdoor cousins, O'Brien said, indoor gardeners "want vibrant now. They want lush. They're paying a lot more attention to what the plants look like."

Reynolds and her Philadelphia co-workers fuss over their cubby gardens, which include the time-tested, spiky mother-in-law's tongue, surely one of the worst-named plants ever but a reliable and curious addition to a desktop.

22-Nov-09 7:00 PM

GREEN IS GOOD FOR PRODUCTIVITY

admin greenplantsforgreenbuildings — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:00:00 GMT

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 plant installations. In addition, research from around the world confirms the role of plants improving indoor air quality.Studies show plants not only remove indoor air toxins, but reduce noise levels offices, something that's vital in increasing employee productivity," says McEwen. He says planted offices lower stress levels, reduce employee sickness, and improve concentration, particularly when employees are working on computers. Copyright Adrenalin Publishing Ltd. Aug 2009 Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

22-Nov-09 7:00 PM

Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant

M J Gilhooley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant

22-Nov-09 6:00 PM

The Effect of Plants and Artificial Daylight on the Well-Being and Health of Office Workers, School Children, and Health Care Personnel

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT

/attachments/wysiwyg/7/SymposiumFjeld.pdf

2-Nov-09 11:00 AM

Successful Maintenance on Green Walls

George Irwin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMT

As our green walls change how do we maintain them and ensure their success? As you may know, "Green Wall" is used as a global term for both living walls and green facades, for definitions refer to “An Intro to Green Walls and Green Roofs: Living Architecture at its Best - Green Walls Part I Nomenclature.” We will talk about maintenance variables that will affect the changes and the “How To” application of maintaining green walls.

Variables of Maintenance

A long overdue topic, I apologize for the limited writing schedule and to talk about exterior maintenance may be a few weeks late for those in the regions experiencing extreme changes from summer to fall, but nonetheless maintenance can be defined by using many variables. The five topics to maintaining a green wall we can clearly identify as: location access, structural inspections, irrigation, and drainage and plant maintenance. For a formal maintenance plan, our commercial maintenance technicians utilize our standard task of events or a simple checklist for all five variables on a monthly basis. We refer to the checklist as a preventative maintenance program.

Before we dive right into the maintenance, a reminder that the non-vegetated components, whether part of a soil based modular system for a living wall or a cable / modular trellis system for a green facade, are mechanisms to hold plants in place and to offer the basic needs for plant survival. Rethink a simple potted plant. (I have referenced this point in other writings.) The pot, no matter how large or small, clay, plastic or metal, is a holding mechanism for the plant. Traditionally, the pot is filled with a growing media that can support a root structure, hold nutrients and when placed in the correct amount of light and provided with enough CO ₂will usually survive.

If the pot contains a plant that needs sun and you keep it in the shade and it does not survive, do you blame the pot? The point is to choose a plant type that is relevant to the sun aspect and microclimate of the green wall structure and therefore conducive to the environment in which it will thrive. Back to the case of the potted plant, can we really blame the pot if the plant fails or doesn’t perform? Or should we rethink our choice of plant material relevant to the needs of the individual plant, its environment and the green wall mechanism? The point is green walls are simply tools that allow us to host the living plants and help sustain vertical growth, so don’t always blame the system for plant failure: first evaluate the needs of the plants, plan your maintenance and plant characteristics for survival accordingly. Although not all green wall products are created equal and some do a better job of maintaining plant health, most can be constructed of various materials such as metals or plastics and offer a variety of options including depths, which can all be taken into account by the designer.

That simple statement, “First evaluate the needs of the plant” will lead us to the components for the plants' survival…and ongoing maintenance. The plant world can be difficult for the untrained botanist, so read the plant tags carefully prior to purchasing or stand by the advice of the green wall manufacturer. Each plant species has a list of characters that depict what the ideal conditions should be. Characteristics can be identified as what describes the plant. It may include phrases such as, “A rapid growing ground cover that can turn red, bronze or brown in full sunlight.” On the tag look for key words such as “sun” and “water,” “heat and drought tolerant,” “needs constant moisture,” “fast growing,” “potentially invasive,” and “hardiness zone.” These are very important buzz words that describe the plant, what they need for survival and will define the maintenance needs! We would have to write a lengthy book in order to decipher all the possible maintenance topics for individual plant types.

Physical advantages on a wall

When it comes to plant material in a green wall, there are no secrets. The same plant in the green wall has the same requirements as if it were planted in any horizontal plane. The green wall, however, does provide some physical advantages. The green wall provides an ergonomically advantageous position to working in the vertical plane. This is especially true when an edible crop wall is installed.

With crops, it is uncommon for the wall to be above six feet high so it is easy to work on by standing in an upright position, unlike traditional vegetable gardening where you are always bending or kneeling. The green wall panels can also be planted at a height comfortable for almost anyone making green wall panels ideal for healing gardens, assisted living activities, children and other physically disadvantaged scenarios.

We identified the five components to maintaining a green wall to include location, structural inspections, irrigation, drainage and plant maintenance. Although maintenance is conducive to the plant type, the five headings are common threads to any of the green walls.

Location Access

Location in this sense is defined as the physical area the wall is located. For example, is the wall behind a secondary structure, is the wall only on an upper location of a building or is the wall fifty feet off the ground? No matter what the plant type, the first item of consideration is how to access the green wall. Usually a similar method used during the installation would be ideal. If the installer used a scissors lift or a man lift the same equipment would be acceptable for major maintenance such as plant replacement and major pruning. For general service and site visits a ladder may suffice.

Structural Inspections

It is recommended that any of the green walls be approached from a preventative methodology. The fact of knowing the potential issues that may occur allows planning maintenance around these issues, creating a simple task analysis and level of hierarchal importance. Even the most experienced installers are not exempt from mechanical failure so check your waterproofing and penetration methods. In addition, if you are a customer or client of a green wall manufacturer/installer, question these methods and ask for specific details - remember that water will find the smallest penetration. The structural bracket assembly on some systems is very complex and warrants an in depth inspection, while others are designed with simple functionality allowing for simple physical performance and free water and air flow behind the green wall.

Upon accessing the wall the first order is to visually inspect the structural integrity of the mounting mechanism, the waterproofing, if any, and the interior wall (for any signs of moisture). For trellis and cable systems check the penetrations of the anchors, spacers, and supplementary equipment in addition to the cable tension.

Irrigation

The second order of events is to operate and visually inspect the irrigation system. Some items to look for include: clogged emitters, leaks at the coupler and connections and small drips within the irrigation manifold. At this time it is ideal to remove and clean or replace the filter or screen from the drip irrigation system. This will prevent any sediment from entering the thin tubing of the drip line creating clogs and emitter malfunctions. The irrigation is easier to assess with a trellis or cable system assuming the plant and the root system is at the base of the mechanism used to support the climbing plant. The irrigation, no matter a bubbler, soaker, drip or other low volume technique, should be working to the original specification. It is also a good idea to check the mechanical components such as the timer, zone valves, screens and any connections.

Drainage Maintenance

During the irrigation inspection is also the opportunity to check all the connected drains that collect the excess irrigation and rainfall. No matter the location, interior or exterior, a drain is essential to prevent water collection in the event of a heavy rain or an irrigation failure. If the irrigation is left on or becomes the victim of a faulty irrigation zone valve, there is the possibility of the water overflow. The drain acts as an overflow thus inspection of the intake must be part of the inspection process. Materials such as dead leaves, soil, mud and even public garbage have been removed from the irrigation drains!

Plant Maintenance

The last order of inspection includes the actual plant material. As mentioned earlier each plant has its own maintenance requirements. A common maintenance requirement for exterior green walls is to weed the wall. In this step, the trellis and cable systems are more susceptible to weed growth since the area the climbers are planted is on the horizontal surface. Unlike the soil based green walls, weed seeds have a harder time rooting on a vertical plane. Nonetheless, weeding is a common practice in all system types.

Other common practice includes the physical inspection of all the plant material. The visual health would be obvious - disease, dieback, dead foliage and the noticeable and acceptable levels of overgrown plants. It is common that some of the indoor plants suffer yellowing leaves that can be easily pinched or some climbers may become woody and can this can be solved by pruning. It is at this time that the plants can be pruned, trained and cleaned.

Interior plants may require a dusting to keep them healthy. After wiping any dust from indoor plants, you can also apply a thin coat of a non-toxic plant shine to bring out the plant colors and textures. This is also the time to inspect for any erosion or media loss and the look of the non-vegetated component of the product itself. Look for cracking, and in some green walls there is a growth media bag that may require replacing. On the exterior, the metal-based products are not susceptible to expansion and contraction nor suffer from the heat and cold of the elements and exposure to the sun. Also during the plant maintenance checkpoint, inspection of the structural integrity of the wall mechanism may be easier. This is an opportunity to see the internal portions of the green wall that are usually covered by foliage!

Finally, as a miscellaneous item, if the green wall system has artificial lighting this is a good time to check the bulbs for replacement. With a planned preventative maintenance program the physical structure and integrity should be inspected on a monthly basis. Irrigation operational failures will be more obvious since the plants will be on the decline, and leaks could become a costly event.

No matter if you are a do-it-yourself green wall owner or a professional maintenance technician and installer, preventative maintenance will retain the safety and integrity of any project, plus add years of sustainable beauty to any wallscape.

1-Nov-09 12:00 PM

How Does Your Garden Grow? Vertical!

George Irwin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMT

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 the labor force was farming, in 1930 it was 21% and in 1990 only 2.6% of the labor force is farming (www.agclassroom.org/gan/timeline/index.htm). There has been an obvious decline in farming in North America since the 1800’s. Before we talk about green walls I want to review some key points in history about American agriculture.

Planting a Victory Garden for the cause was patriotic and sustainable.

From 1939 to 1945 the world was at war, and Americans were asked to divert materials and efforts to the war effort. At the time this was a call for self-reliance, recycling, and conservation of raw materials. Sounds like another definition of Sustainability … Compare the circa 2008 vs. the 1940 definition of self-reliance, amazing how history repeats itself. The public was encouraged to plant “Victory Gardens” in all shapes and sizes. “Nearly 20 million Americans answered the call. They planted gardens in backyards, empty lots and even city rooftops,” (http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org).

A small spot will do.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture an estimated 20 million victory gardens were planted. Fruit and vegetables harvested in these home and community plots were estimated to weigh 9-10 million tons, an amount equal to all commercial production of fresh produce. The program made a difference except after the war, the promotion of gardens stopped and the commercial agriculture industry was not prepared for the demand, creating a shortage of fruits and vegetables. During these times of urban gardens there was also a significant decrease in transportation going to and from the market.

As I write it makes me realize that either my wife or I are at the grocery store at least 4-5 times a week for bread, milk or some type of produce. What if we would simply grow all of our own produce and eliminate 3 trips to the store? As the farming labor force decreased and the urban farms changed so did agricultural technology, including the introduction to pesticides, machinery, seed altering genetics and growing methods.

Let’s go back to basics; you don’t need a plot of land to maintain your own crop-producing gardens. With evolution and urban development, the removal of fertile land was replaced with concrete and buildings and there arose alternative ways to produce crops - you guessed it, green walls for crop production. As per my last article it’s not all about the “Outer Beauty…..it’s also the Inner Function.”

My wife is a traditionalist and we prefer not to purchase pickles, jams and jellies; we do our own canning when possible. In fact, we grow our own strawberries for strawberry jam, harvest our own salad and spinach and even grow thumbnail carrots, squash, cucumbers and more.

Re-visit “Green Wall” (Green Walls Part I) as a global term used to reference a variety of vegetated wall surfaces. Within the term “Green Wall” we have two specific categories, Green Facades and Living Walls.

• ‘Green Facade’ or facade greening features a training structure that support vines or climbing plants growing upward from the ground away from the building (GW101, 2008).

Green Facade can now be dissected into two additional categories of product applications:
• A multidimensional, welded wire trellising system;
• A variety of stainless steel cable and mesh systems.

Both systems support a variety of climbing plant material, can be customized, and some are available in a variety of colors.

• ‘Living Wall’ is part of a building envelope system, comprising pre-vegetated or planted on site panels containing plants, growing medium or liquid nutrient installed in or on a frame, secured to a structural wall, or it can be free standing (GW101, 2008).

Living Walls can also be migrated into two distinct categories:
• Hydroponics wall which uses recirculation water to deliver nutrients directly to the roots of the plant material;
• Soil or growing media based walls. T hese walls are made up of a variety of modules that retain growth media to support plant material.

You want to have a vertical garden, what system do you use? The question is for you to question or talk with one of the manufacturers mentioned. When I lecture about green walls I make it clear each system has their limitation; each has pros and cons. Many features include plastic vs. recycled metals, powder coating, growing media depths, drainage, watering systems, mounting, maintenance and more. The common point is that when vegetation survivability issues arise, the system itself is not to blame for plant failure.

Look at the system just as you would a terracotta pot. If you plant the correct plant in relation to the pot, allow for proper lighting, nutrients and care for your plant, it will thrive. If the basic needs of the plant are not met or the plant is not right for the pot and the plant dies, do you blame the pot? The same hold true to the green wall systems. You need to choose plants that are conducive to the environment and care you apply in relationship to the systems limitations.

The cable and wire mesh systems (Greenscreen, Jakob, CarlStahl) would be more then adequate for climbing grapes, beans and supporting tomatoes, but require an area below to support the root structure. Without a planter or space requirements these systems are limited for vertical crop production, unless the plant is a climber. Some of the living wall systems have more limitations then others.

The standard ELT living wall panel has a 2.25” depth and would be best suited for fast growing leafy greens and some shallow rooted herbs that can be harvested during the early season. The Green Living™ Wall by Green Living™ Technologies offers a wide range of planting depths from 3” to 6” and has shown long term success with everything from tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, eggplant, strawberries, peppers and even watermelon. Both systems can produce edible foods with the use of growing media supported on a vertical surface or free standing.

Making a choice of systems for your garden may be dictated by the area you have to work with, and most of the systems are very flexible from a design perspective. Greenscreen will customize the project to specification; Jakob and CarlStahl are very flexible since they are cable systems and can be assembled with average carpentry skills to meet any dimension. The ELT system consists of a single plastic 20”x 20” panel that can be cut horizontally. Measure carefully because cutting the structure vertically will remove one of the side walls and irrigation will flow outside the structure, so try to keep your measurements of the ELT panel even in order to prevent cutting them vertically. The Green Living™ Wall has very flexible dimensions and has standard stock in 1 foot increments and they can customize any other measurement or curve you request including planting depths from 3”, 4” and 6”.

Other options for growing vertical or at least elevated crops can be demonstrated here using an old cat litter container with a hole drilled in the bottom and painted green. The owner also planted Basil in the top. Special thanks to www.marshalllee.net for sharing.

Here are some examples of some of year's Irwin family's crops including watermelon in the lower left hand side of the picture on the left. In the past we found that the following can also hold themselves on the wall without any problems or soil loss: tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, strawberries, herbs, thumbnail carrots, and dandelion.

In addition to the above examples, the following is showing a 100% success rate with the help of a rack system under the panels to support the fruits which include: watermelon, zucchini, cucumbers and squash.

How about growing your own wheat grass? In my travels I found energy shots of wheat grass selling for as high as $9.00 per shot. The truth is, you can grow your own for pennies. The picture at left is a juice bar that has panels of wheat grass growing out back while the one below is in the store is cut for use in a variety of energy drinks and smoothies.

If you grow it, you know it!

How does your garden grow? I hope you enjoyed these gardening ideas, agriculture history and the rejuvenation of what I like to call the “Sustainable Garden” instead of the Victory Garden.

Remember that each system has various limitations, space consumption, potential mounting possibilities, and applications as some units can be indoors. Even the material it is manufactured from can play a role in a successful vertical garden. It's not rocket science if we can grow our own produce, especially during the geographic growing seasons, and if we could we eliminate trips to grocery store, what would the residual results be? How much in gas could we save? How much carbon can we offset? And the issue of food security would rest with us at home.

Go out and garden - the worst thing that can happen is you end up with great organically grown tomatoes and you spend time with your family doing it.

1-Nov-09 12:00 PM

Taking GPGB on the road

MJ Gilhooley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 GMT

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 rankings. In addition, the sew site will have limited premium visibility opportunities. Please send your shots to be included in the gallery along with any ongoing topics, news, and "know-how" you'd like to see included in either the end-user or interior industry track to mj@gpgb.org.

Along with the new site, Green Plants for Green Buildings will be sharing information at a national trade show every month through the rest of this year.

CalScape Expo

Visit the GPGB booth at the CalScape Expo (September 30-October 2, 2009) and pick up our latest newsletter, and learn how to get the hottest Las Vegas apparel - the new GPGB t-shirt. At the show on Wednesday, September 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., GPGB will be qualifying interiorscapers to be registered trainers, which will provide the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI), and USGBC members with the continuing education training they need. In order to enroll in the train-the-trainer course, you must be a current GPGB supporter at a minimum level of $250 per year. If interested, please contact training@greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org to learn more.

On Friday, October 2nd, from 4p.m. to 5:30 p.m., join us at the GPGB Reception, sponsored by Plants in Design. You'll have the opportunity to walk away with one of several prizes, including accomodations for a week at an oceanfront condo in Cocoa Beach, Florida, a complete "holiday" package (tree, wreath, and garland - shipped anywhere), or more than $500 worth of professional marketing pieces.

You will hear the very latest from the National Foliage Foundation-funded "Project Carbon" research by Dr. Bodie Pennisi of the University of Georgia. Her research involves measuring the amount of carbon removed from the air by indoor plants. You will also learn of efforts underway to secure inclusions of credits for indoor plant installations from our LEED Advocacy Commiddee. Preview the latest digital marketing materials and the new Web site, and discover why being a GPGB supporter is vital in today's market.

World Workplace

Just a week later, GPGB will be in Orlando, Florida, for our 8th exhibit at the International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA’s) World Workplace event. Our double booth
in the Green Zone will be equipped with elegantly installed environmental headliners (top-performing interior plants) presented in and around the latest earth-friendly containers, professional PowerPoints, media reprints, and giveaways.
<b>USGBC</b>
For the first time, GPGB will be sharing research and presenting our case for inclusion in the LEED credit sys tem with an educational space at the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Greenbuild Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, from November 11–13, 2009. This year’s scheduled keynoted speaker will be former Vice President Al Gore.

EcoBuild America
GPGB is then heading to Washington, D.C., to present at the Ecobuild America show from December 7–10, 2009. Along with a prime visibility booth, GPGB has been invited to offer
a seminar on the benefits of plants in commercial buildings as well as a presentation on the trend and benefits of green
wall installations.

Hopefully, we will see many of you along the way, and, as always, we are very interested in your honest comments and input as to how we can best serve your business and the industry as a whole.

30-Oct-09 1:00 PM

Houseplants Cut Indoor Ozone

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Ozone, the main component of air pollution, or smog, is a highly reactive, colorless gas formed when oxygen reacts with other chemicals. Although ozone pollution is most often associated with outdoor air, the gas also infiltrates indoor environments like homes and offices. Ozone can be released by ordinary copy machines, laser printers, ultraviolet lights, and some electrostatic air purification systems, all of which contribute to increased indoor ozone levels.

Topping the extensive list of toxic effects of ozone on humans are pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, inflammation, and reduction of lung function.

Because people in industrialized countries spend as much of 80% to 90% of their time indoors, indoor air pollution has been ranked as one of the world's greatest public health risks. The United Nations Development Program estimated (1998) that more than two million people die each year due to the presence of toxic indoor air, while other studies estimate that 14 times as many deaths occur globally from poor indoor air quality

compared with outdoor air pollution. The economic consequences of polluted indoor air can't be ignored either; one Australian study estimated that the cost of unhealthy indoor air in that country exceeds $12 billion annually, measured in losses of worker productivity, higher medical costs, and increased absenteeism.

As indoor air pollution poses new concerns worldwide, cost effective and easy-to-implement methods are needed to eliminate or reduce ozone concentrations. Activated charcoal filters reduce air pollutants, but installation and maintenance costs can be high. Now, researchers are investigating alternatives—including the use of common houseplants—to improve indoor air quality and health.

A research team from the Pennsylvania State University published the results of a new study of the effects of three common houseplants on indoor ozone levels in a recent issue of the American Society of Horticultural Science's journal HortTechnology. The scientists chose snake plant, spider plant, and golden pothos for the experiment because of the plants' popularity (primarily due to their low cost, low maintenance, and rich foliage) and their reported ability to reduce other indoor air pollutants. The plants were studied to determine their effectiveness in reducing ozone concentrations in a simulated indoor environment.

To simulate an indoor environment, the researchers set up chambers in a greenhouse equipped with a charcoal filtration air supply system in which ozone concentrations could be measured and regulated. Ozone was then injected into the chambers, and the chambers were checked every 5 to 6 minutes. The data revealed that ozone depletion rates were higher in the chambers that contained plants than in the control chambers without plants, but there were no differences in effectiveness among the three plants.

"Because indoor air pollution extensively affects developing countries, using plants as a mitigation method could serve as a cost-effective tool in the developing world where expensive pollution mitigation technology may not be economically feasible", concluded the authors.

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Interior Insights Fall 2009 Newsletter - CalScape

Interior Insights Fall 2009 Newsletter