The continued burning of fossil fuels and the increased prevalence of deforestation is increasing the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere and decreasing the amount of trees that can absorb the carbon dioxide. This leads to the well-known phenomena of climate change, which is caused by the increase in temperatures all over the earth due to the greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere. One way to help with the increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is by planting more plants so that the photosynthetic organisms can absorb the carbon dioxide. However, with increasing amounts of deforestation and the construction of buildings, it may raise the question of how this may be possible. Fortunately, with the help of green walls, it may be possible to increase the amount of plants despite the construction of buildings.

According to Naturvention Oy, a company creating green wall products, green walls are “vertical structures that have different types of plants or other greenery attached to them,” and they often look something like this:

(Picture 1)

Green walls exist all over the world. For example, the biggest green wall in Europe exists on the Citicape House in London. Amazingly, this work of architecture is said to have absorbed 8 tonnes of pollution every year. 

(Picture 2, Citicape House London)

Another example is the Seoul City Hall, where a seven-story-high green wall exists. According to Inhabitat, “Approximately 65,000 plants from 14 different species grow in the garden, which spans an area greater than 17,000 square feet.” 

(Picture 3, Seoul City hall)

Lastly, a final example I wanted to share is the green wall at Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education’s College Central. According to ODS, the walls span about 5,300 square meters and “is the world largest vertical greenery installation at a single development.” Additionally, the walls “mitigate the heat island effect and reduce the energy required for air-conditioning, hence decreasing the carbon footprint of the College.” 

(Picture 4, Institute of Technical Education's College Central)

There are many benefits to green walls. Because more and more buildings are being built, there is a decrease in the area plants may be planted. However, with the help of green walls, plants can be planted even in areas without space for vegetation. Furthermore, green walls are able to absorb massive amounts of pollution. This is especially important in urban areas, where little vegetation exists. Green walls are also able to cool the temperature down by diminishing the heat island effect. This will help reduce the carbon footprint of the area, like it did in Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education’s College Central. Finally, green walls are aesthetically pleasing to look at. According to Naturvention Oy, “Bringing in natural elements to places where they can’t generally be seen lifts our mood, making us more alert and upbeat.” Because of all of these benefits, I believe that more countries and architects should adopt green walls in their buildings. The construction of green walls will not only help with the threat of climate change, but will also brighten up everyone’s day who may be lucky enough to pass by one!

Sources:

https://www.naava.io/editorial/what-are-green-walls

https://www.outdoordesign.com.au/news-info/exemplary-projects/worlds-largest-green-wall-project/451.htm#:~:text=Elmich's%20VGM%20Green%20Walls%20were,installation%20at%20a%20single%20development.

https://inhabitat.com/7-story-indoor-green-wall-is-as-an-enormous-air-filter-for-solar-powered-seoul-city-hall/seoul-new-city-hall-green-wall-16-2/

https://www.sheppardrobson.com/architecture/view/citicape-house