How to save energy using office plants this Earth Hour

At 8:30pm on 19 March, millions of people will switch off their lights for an hour to show their commitment to saving energy. This, however, is just one of the many ways you can show your commitment to the environment. In addition to turning off the power, organisations and employees can save energy by introducing indoor plants into the workplace. 

According to Ambius, one of the many reasons to incorporate living plants into your workplace is the energy saving benefit indoor plants offer.

Ambius shares some tips…

Energy saving benefits

1. Plants can be used effectively to cool buildings, thus cutting down on the energy required to run air-conditioning units.

2. Indoor plant displays can be designed to cast as much or as little shade as required. By taking advantage of the different height and forms of plants, it is possible to create light or heavy shade at any time of the day, during any season. 

3. Small plants near windows can negate the need for blinds, while still creating a beautiful view. 

4. In atriums and other large indoor spaces, plants and trees can be used to provide climate benefits such as cooling through evapotranspiration, which further reduces the need for air-conditioning.

Evapotranspiration is the process through which water moves from the soil, via the plant and into the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration. Almost all of the water given to plants will be released into the air during photosynthesis. As the water evaporates into the air, cooling takes place - and in large scale interior planting schemes such as atriums, this has a measurable effect on temperature.

Psychological and physical benefits

1. In addition to the energy saving benefits that come with incorporating plants in the workplace, there is a continuously growing body of research that says interior plants make people feel good about their work and their workspace. 

Norwegian and Swedish institutes have conducted studies in offices which prove that indoor plants generally improve people's feelings of well-being and reduce stress levels at work, resulting in happier, more productive employees.  

2. Plants also attract dust, which means that their presence can reduce airborne particles by up to 20%, thus reducing the most common cause of headaches and asthma. The fact that plants contribute to an environment which decreases illness-related absenteeism means that adding office plants to the workplace makes sound business and financial sense.  

So this Earth hour, consider doing something more long-lasting than simply turning off your lights for an hour. Invest in indoor plants for your workplace and create a greener, healthier and more productive environment for your colleagues and customers.