Houseplants Can Cool Rooms by Two Degrees: The Air Quality Benefits of Indoor Greenery.

How Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality

According to TSN.ua: Research conducted by the University of Surrey as part of the GREENIN Micro Network Plus project reveals that indoor plants can significantly enhance air quality and comfort. The findings indicate plants can reduce perceived heat, increase air humidity, and lower pollutant concentrations. This discovery is crucial given that people spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, yet the impact of greenery on indoor environments remains understudied. This is particularly relevant as concerns about indoor air quality and energy use for climate control continue to grow.

Key Findings from the Study

The study involved 35 experts from the UK, Europe, the US, Australia, India, and Brazil. Scientists developed a system of ten key questions to assess the impact of greenery, evaluating 26 different systems including:

• standard potted plants,
• 'living walls',
• hydroponic towers.

The research determined that large plants can lower a room's temperature by up to two degrees Celsius, which could substantially affect human comfort in enclosed spaces.

Furthermore, the study confirmed that plants raise air humidity, a benefit especially important in winter or in air-conditioned rooms. Plants were also found to reduce concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially improving the health of occupants. This research opens new possibilities for using greenery as a vital element in enhancing living conditions indoors.

"The significance of this research is that it highlights the value of houseplants for improving air quality and overall comfort in the spaces where people spend most of their time." - Professor Prashant Kumar

In the context of modern life, where air pollution and climate change are increasingly pressing issues, these results could encourage greening initiatives in both private homes and commercial buildings.