Reductions in negative mood states and feelings of stress by up to 60% have been found among people with plants in their offices, in a groundbreaking study by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney.
“We found such significant difference in scores for participants in offices with plants, as opposed to those without, that it confirms the benefits of indoor plants extend well beyond their contribution to air quality,” reports the head of the study, Adjunct Professor Margaret Burchett.
Across a series of tests conducted before and after plants were present in offices, people showed:
- 37% reduction in tension/anxiety;
- 58% reduction in depression/dejection;
- 44% reduction in anger/hostility;
- 38% reduction in fatigue; and
- 30% reduction in confusion.
“The results add further evidence for the benefit of plants for occupant well-being, not only in office buildings but in almost any other type of building as well.”
The findings were the final part of a three year study, “Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing”, conducted by UTS and supported by the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia and the National Interior Plantscape Association (NIPA)[1].
One of the leading members of NIPA and indoor plant suppliers in Australia, Ambius, believes the results have further added weight to the recognition given by the Green Building Council Australia in its Green Star rating scheme which acknowledges the role plants have to play[2].
“The results offer further compelling reasons for Indoor plants to become a standard installation element in an urban building or facility environment,” said Ambius Regional Director for the Asia Pacific Region, Mr Ray Borg.
“What better way to improve the well-being and productivity of people inside an office or any other building, than by greening the inside?”
For a copy of the complete report http://www.nipa.asn.au/uts_project.htm
For other information visit the Ambius website at www.ambiusindoorplants.com.au
[1] ‘Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing’
Professor Margaret Burchett (UTS), Dr Fraser Torpy (UTS), Mr Jason Brennan (UTS), Professor Ashley Craig (Univ. Syd.), Plants and Indoor Environmental Quality Group, Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CEnS), UTS, February 2010
[2] For more information on the Green Building Council Australia, go to the Office Interiors / Interior Environment Quality sectionIEQ – 15 ‘Indoor Plants’): http://www.gbca.org.au/g-star/rating-tools/green-star-office-interiors-v1-1/1530.htm
