IMPROVING THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT FOR HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND PRODUCTIVITY
Ronald A Wood BSc. PhD. Presented at Greening Cities: a new urban ecology. 30th April 2003
This paper selectively reviews scientific research on the positive effects on building occupant’s health, well-being and productivity that result from the presence of indoor plants in the workplace. Case studies show improvement in indoor air quality, (with a reduction in the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improved productivity by up to 12%, and reduced absenteeism and staff turnover cost. Indoor air pollution is a health hazard, which causes diseases, lost work days and reduced quality of life. Unhealthy indoor air has been estimated to cost the Australian community $12 billion dollars a year, and is a generally unrecognized significant environmental issue.
Dr. Leona Rogler; for: 'The comprehensive office series' of the Association for Administrative Professions
Plants in offices are beneficial to people. They create an individual working environment and bring colour into the room. They give a feeling of well-being and create a live atmosphere. They are beneficial for a positive mood and help to overcome stress. In this way, ficus, banana etc help to improve the room climate.
Fact: In offices with plants, complaints about headaches, stress, heart/circulation-symptoms as well as colds are reduced.
How does this work and how you can make use of the advantages of an office with integrated plants?
