The influence of green walls on interior climate conditions and human health

Abstract

In recent years, many researchers have addressed the issue of interior climate and how it affects human health. Investigations performed at schools and office buildings have found that CO 2 concentrations often exceed the limit value of 1500 ppm given in Decree No. 20/2012 Coll., on technical requirements for buildings. In addition, interior space often exhibits very low relative humidity. This results in poor conditions that are detrimental to human health and not conducive to studying and work. One means of improving the interior microclimate is implementing green walls. These walls can help generate a much better climate and greatly enhance the mental well-being of the inhabitants. In addition, they greatly improve dust levels and acoustics in the room. The research compared the interior conditions in two classrooms at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. One had a green wall installed while the other was in its original configuration. CO 2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity were measured. A survey was conducted to assess the influence of the green wall on students and teachers (mental well-being, efficiency, productivity, creativity, etc.). Results obtained thus far show that the room with the green wall provides far better interior conditions, mainly in terms of lower CO 2 concentration and higher relative humidity, improving students’ and teachers’ mood and health (as confirmed by the survey as well).