Biodiversity and urban greening are topics of growing focus for organisations and planners across Britain looking to tackle air pollution, boost wildlife and combat climate change.

Legal requirements such as Biodiversity Net Gain are just around the corner, with implementation due later this year to drive positive ecological impact.

We’re already seeing many organisations taking a proactive approach to enhancing nature
without waiting for impending legislation to make the places where we live, work, and
socialise greener. But greenery isn’t just important for the environmental challenges we face it’s vital for our mental health too.

The third Monday in January is dubbed Blue Monday due to the usual post-Christmas lull,
dark wintry weather and awaiting the arrival of pay day. In research we commissioned on
urban greening, we found that many city dwellers believe a lack of greenery in their area is
also giving them the blues.

Two thirds (66%) of people who live in cities told us they want to see more botanical beauty where they live, with over a quarter (26%) feeling demotivated by the lack of green space in their area and one in five (20%) feeling isolated.

These are striking figures. With more than half (51%) thinking there is not enough investment in urban greening, there is a clear demand for action in our metropolises.

But many people (43%) recognise that there’s often simply not enough horizontal space for
nature in their city – with over half (57%) calling for more vertical greenery to make up for the
lack of ground level room. This is where living walls can be a great space-saving solution. At
Biotecture, we aim to transform urban environments and reconnect people with nature by
installing living walls, made up of panels of plants, grown vertically on structures that are
either freestanding or attached to buildings. These can help clean the air, provide enhanced
insulation and shading, and improve the aesthetics of an area.

Ultimately many people – (79%) from our research – enjoy living in cities. The convenience,
career opportunities and social life unsurprisingly make an urban lifestyle attractive for
millions. Yet pointedly our research found over two thirds (67%) are considering moving to a
greener suburb or the countryside to be able to enjoy nature more. That may be a big
number, but (62%) would consider staying in a metropolitan environment if there was more
investment in urban greening. This should be pause for thought for planners and city-based
organisations across the country working on urban regeneration projects.

We should also boost inside and outside plants at our places of work, to realise the
wellbeing benefits of greening. A large proportion of urban residents (70%) think more plants
and greenery would make them happier and more productive at work – so there is an
economic case for action too, before we even consider cardiovascular health and climate
change.

We’ve known the air quality benefits of plants for some time.

Back in 2012, it was estimated by UK academics that living walls could remove up to 40% of nitrogen dioxide and 60% of particulate matter (PM 10 ), the common air pollutant in streets, where air movement is constrained by high walls. Plants trap this matter, which includes black carbon and soot particles, to make the air we breathe cleaner.

Living walls also reduce emissions through improved insulation and shading for buildings,
helping to reduce bills for organisations and cut emissions for us all. According to research
conducted over two winters by Reading University, plants reduced the energy consumption
of buildings significantly by 21-37% through improved insulation. The study suggested that
under extreme weather conditions energy efficiency could rise by as much as 40-50%.

Having access to greenery shouldn’t just be a bonus when it comes to living in a city,
everyone should be able to easily enjoy nature. It’s no surprise people feel demotivated and
isolated if they don’t have access to greenery, whether that’s at their place of work, where
they live or where they socialise. But it’s true cities can lack the space, which is why vertical
living walls can be a great solution.

If we prioritise and invest in urban greening, more people can enjoy many of the benefits
associated with rural living, whilst enjoying everything our bustling metropolises have to
offer. At the same time, we’ll be protecting our planet for future generations and playing our
part in decarbonising Britain.

by Richard Sabin, Managing Director, Biotecture