BENEFITS
Installing ivy screens, green facades or living walls in and around construction sites can result in many benefits to the environment. The list below provides more detail on what benefits can be realised with urban greening solutions in general and how these are achieved.
AIR PURIFICATION
During the day plants extract carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and many other toxins from the air during photosynthesis, resulting in significant reductions in CO2 levels in well vegetated urban areas.
DUST SUPPRESSION
Large areas of greenery help to suppress dust particles; improving air quality around construction sites and busy highways. This may lead to a reduction in respiratory illness. There has been much focus in London recently on reducing PM10 particles to meet EU regulations.
HEAT REDUCTION
Urbanised areas have a higher average temperature than surrounding countryside. Increasing vegetation in city hot spots can cool the air and reduce reflected heat.
NOISE REDUCTION
Planted surfaces have low noise reflectivity and high absorption properties. Ambient noise is attenuated by ivy screens and living hoarding, improving conditions around nosiy construction sites.
IMPROVED PUBLIC IMAGE
Ivy screens and living hoarding are visual indicators of sustainable design. In addition to demonstrating an eco-friendly approach to construction, green hoarding may also help towards meeting company targets and environmental regulations.
AESTHETICS
Vegetated surfaces provide a visual impact and focus for onlookers or can be used to obscure unsightly structures and spaces.
EXCESS WATER HARVESTING
Water discharge from construction sites can be harvested, filtered and used to irrigation ivy screens and living hoarding, This also eliminates the need for a fresh water supply.
INCREASED BIODIVERISTY
By using a broad range of plants a green wall can considerably increase the number and variety of insects and birds in a given area, helping to return a more sustainable ecosystem in urban environments.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Plants and greenery can provide uplifting and calming effects on people whilst having a positive impact on stress-related illnesses. Studies have shown that simply having a view of greenery increases workplace productivity.