Green plants for Green Buildings presents interior plant study

“Project Carbon,” an Interior Plant Study Aimed at Quantifying the Ability of Green plants to Assimilate Indoor Carbon, is Well Underway.

Released on March 19, 2009

Article reference: Green Plants for Green Buildings

In keeping with the heightened need to quantify the carbon footprint of businesses, buildings, and even individuals, two researchers from the University of Georgia, Bodie V. Pennisi, Associate Professor, and Marc van Iersel, Professor, are now mid-study on the subject of the ability of green plants to assimilate indoor carbon, with results anticipated by year's end.

Their methodology has included a two-pronged approach: first, initiating an assessment of photosynthetic rates of interiorscape or interior plants in place (“in situ”), and second, quantifying carbon assimilation under a simulated environment designed to replicate the light levels and temperatures of typical indoor environments. The “in situ” phase is currently being conducted in collaboration with Foliage Design Systems, headquartered in Orlando, FL. Three interior plant accounts in the metro-Atlanta area representing typical interior plant installations are serving as sampling sites. The locations include a hospital lobby, an office building lobby, and a lawyer’s office. An interim report may be completed as early as July.

GPGB may be including these results along with many others as a part of their effort to assist businesses, office building owners, and facility managers to achieve what the group refers to as a "0+" indoor environment (one that actually adds fresh oxygen rather than simply absorbing current C02 levels). According to MJ Gilhooley, the group’s communication coordinator, "By providing this kind of data to office building owners, we can support them in creating an indoor environment that is 'Beyond Carbon Neutral.'”

Green Plants for Green Buildings is a 501c3 international education and marketing organization dedicated to raise awareness about the vast health, economic, psychological and environmental benefits of indoor plants. For Press Inquiries Please Contact MJ Gilhooley.