Work better, live greener: A smart design solution

Sustainability in the workplace is no longer an option, and it requires going beyond making minor adjustments. True sustainability at work is about more than reducing your carbon footprint, using recycling bins, and implementing energy-efficient policies — it also necessitates investing in people and environments that make a lasting impact.  A healthy and sustainable workplace or business is a reflection of happy employees. When peoples’ basic needs aren’t met, the entire environment suffers. But sustainable design doesn’t just liven a workplace’s appearance — the blend of science and artistry also positively affects everyone involved, from workers to customers.  A living wall is a dynamic and effective example of sustainable design in the workplace. For those unfamiliar, living walls are vertical gardens made from real, living plants that have built-in irrigation systems. They’re a dramatic and powerful way to bring the outdoors inside with minimal maintenance.  The living wall at Three Ravinia Drive, an office complex in Dunwoody, is the largest in the state, including more than 15,000 live plants and climbing more than 50 feet tall. The inspiration behind this particular living wall was to create a warm, inviting feel in Three Ravinia Drive’s lobby that appealed to tenants, employees, and visitors alike. In other words, the goal was creating an ecosystem where people want to live and work.  “One of the greatest feelings I have is when I can say, ‘Everything in the lobby is live,’ and they look at the wall and realize,” says Sasha Hayward, property manager at Three Ravinia Drive.  “I couldn’t believe that the wall was real for a long time,” says Peta Archer, a tenant at Three Ravinia Drive. “It brings such a refreshing atmosphere to the space.”  The aesthetic perks are only part of the draw, however. Studies show that living walls reduce indoor temperatures up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and lower energy used on cooling by up 23 percent. Additionally, workplaces with living walls feature up to 37 percent less stress, a 47 percent increase in wellbeing, and up to a 38 percent increase in concentration and focus.  Foliage Design Systems’ care doesn’t stop at building a living wall, either. All of our living walls come with built-in irrigation so you don’t have to worry about watering. Our team performs regular maintenance on our living walls, and personally checks them for pests and replacements every three months. Living walls aren’t just for lobbies, however. They can also work in hotel entrances, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, and corporate campuses. Basically, anywhere people gather to work or relax can benefit from vertical greenery.  Interested in getting a living wall of your own? Foliage Design Systems is eager to help you plan out a living wall or interior installation that fits your space and budget. Most commercial installations start at a few thousand dollars (For a good estimate, think $200 per square foot). Foliage Design Systems also specializes in moss walls, interior installation, holiday decor, and, of course, maintenance.  FAQs What is a living green wall and how does it work?A living green wall is a vertical garden made of real, living plants. Installed on interior or exterior walls, these systems use built-in irrigation to keep the plants healthy indoors with minimal maintenance. Are living green walls good for office environments?Yes — green walls for office interiors do more than look great. They improve air quality, reduce stress, and create a calming, natural vibe that boosts employee wellness and productivity. Some companies also use them for marketing and branding purposes. How much does a commercial green wall installation cost?If you just need a rough number to put in your budget, $200/sqft is a good average cost. The cost of a living green wall varies based on size, plant selection, and system type. Most commercial installations start at a few thousand dollars and can scale up depending on the scope. We offer tailored quotes and help you choose a system that fits your space and budget. How do you maintain a living green wall?Maintaining living green walls consists of monitoring the irrigation system and soil moisture, pruning dead or overgrown leaves, managing pests, and swapping out declining plants. Depending on the scale of the wall you may need equipment such as ladders or scissor lifts. Where can living green walls be used in commercial spaces?Living green walls are perfect for a wide range of commercial environments — including office lobbies, hotel entrances, healthcare facilities, corporate campuses, and retail spaces. Anywhere people work, gather, or relax can be enhanced with the wellness benefits of vertical greenery. Company Bio For more than 50 years, Foliage Design Systems has been a leader in the interiorscape industry providing commercial spaces with comprehensive plant solutions that improve the health of indoor environments. We specialize in living green walls, custom moss art, indoor plant design, install, and maintenance, and commercial holiday decor. FDS has branches in Atlanta, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa and is a member of the Botanical Designs Family of Brands servicing all 50 states with biophilic design. The post Work better, live greener: A smart design solution appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.