Green walls have revolutionized the urban spaces, and for good reason. They are one of the innovative ways that promise eco-friendly solutions and have numerous environmental benefits, such as improving air quality, promoting biodiversity, and reducing energy costs.
But what are green walls? Well, green walls are building surfaces covered with vegetation. The walls have different types of plants, from low maintenance to high maintenance, depending on the type of green wall. The green walls have a waterproof system with several layers to insulate the building and provide a growing medium. One of the noticeable examples of green walls in New York is the Living Wall of Brooklyn.
This article looks into how green walls have revolutionized urban spaces. If you have been considering installing a green wall but had doubts, then read on to know why you should give the go-ahead to your architect or construction company.
What are The Benefits of Green Walls in Architecture?
Green walls have numerous benefits to humans and the environment. Here’s some of the green wall benefits and how they are transforming the urban spaces
1. Green walls enhance biodiversity
Having green walls over buildings attracts and provides a home to birds, insects and other wildlife that would otherwise not find shelter in the skyscrapers in New York.
Thus, helps to improve the life of species and fosters biodiversity in the city. For example, bees pollinate flowering plants as they feed on pollen and nectar, which promotes plant production and ensures the availability of local honey in the city. This symbiotic relationship is crucial even for human survival.
2. Green walls add aesthetic appeal to buildings
Instead of seeing cold concrete on every corner, green walls add a visual appeal and green scenery to otherwise cold and ordinary structures.
Numerous studies have proved that exposure to green scenery or walking in nature has a calming effect on the mind. It can help reduce anxiety and stress, provide a good environment to live and work in, and promote health and wellbeing for New Yorkers.
3. Green walls improve food production
Aside from the green scenery in the city, green walls also contribute immensely to the availability of food in the city. You can plant herbs, vegetables, and even fruit trees for your use or for commercial purposes.
Urban farming is essential to provide additional fresh produce for New Yorkers and ensures a healthy lifestyle in the urban areas.
4. Green walls improve air quality
Plants in the green wall are natural air filters that absorb pollutants in the air, such as carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus purifying the air.
They are ideal for urban spaces in New York to help the fight against pollution and create a cleaner environment for all. Thus, having green walls helps to improve air quality for New Yorkers and ensure we breathe fresh air.
5. Noise Reduction
Noise and the city are like Siamese twins that are hard to separate. But with green walls, the vegetation acts as a buffer and absorbs the sounds, especially for buildings near roads and highways. This helps to create a quieter and more peaceful life for city dwellers.
6. Green walls lower energy costs
Green walls are a good use of the limited land resources in the city and save energy. The layer of vegetation provides insulation to the concrete buildings.
This helps to reduce the temperature of the building and significantly lowers the energy needed for air conditioning and heating. This is because it blocks direct sunlight and snow from the building and ensures the building maintains a medium temperature. Consequently, it preserves energy and reduces harmful gas emissions.
7. Green walls reduce the risk of flooding
The barrier between the building and vegetation can absorb excess rainwater and prevent the harmful effects of stormwater on walls and roofs.
The vegetative barrier also helps the excess water to evaporate back into the air. Some green wall systems also help to trap the rainwater and store it for use within the building. This reduces the risk of floods and destruction of property, which increases maintenance costs.
FAQs
How do green walls help the environment?
Green walls attract pollinators and wildlife into the city, provide food and nesting places and promote biodiversity. Furthermore, the plants absorb harmful toxins in the air and release oxygen, which purifies the air.
Are green walls effective?
Green walls provide a protective layer that protects buildings from extreme weather conditions and reduces the energy needed for heating and air conditioning. By reducing and preventing flooding, green walls protect the structures, reduce maintenance costs, and increase their lifespan.
Do green walls reduce air pollution?
Yes, plants in the green walls act as natural air filters and can help reduce pollution in the city. For example, plants in a green wall are able to absorb 5.5kg of CO2 every year, playing a huge role in improving air quality in the city.
How long do green walls last?
Green walls last a long time if installed correctly and maintained properly. However, this depends on the plants on the green walls as some need to be replaced often, such as herbs and vegetables, while succulents and trees last longer.
Final Thoughts
The green walls benefits are unmatched since they increase the appeal of urban spaces. However, be sure to consult with experts and local authorities on whether you can install a green wall for your project. Ensure that you select the right type of green walls based on the type of structure because it will determine which kind of plants to have on your green wall.
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