Wellbeing Improved by Indoor Greenery - Australian UTS Study
Final Report to Horticulture Australia Ltd Cpmpleted 15 february 2010 "Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing', Margaret Burchett et al. University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
The results add further evidence for the benefit of plants for occupant wellbeing:
Reductions in negative mood states and feelings of stress by up to 6% have been found among people with plants in their offices in a ground breaking study. 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, reported the head of the study, Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Margaret Burchett. In the first study of its kind in the world, researchers from the University utilised standard psychological survey instruments with internationally demonstrated reliability and validity to assess the effects of indoor plants on occupants' mood states and feelings of wellbeing."While our group of 40 people was small, the results were very significant because of the proven methods used. The sizeable reduction in negative mood states like tension can only have a positive effect on productivity and satisfaction," said Professor Burchett. Across a series of tests conducted before and after plants were present in offices, people showed:
- 30% reduction in confusion
- 37% reduction in tension/anxiety
- 4.5% increase in vigour
- 38% reduction in fatigue
- 58% reduction in depression/dejection
- 44% reduction in anger/hostility
"The results add further evidence for the benefit of plant for occupant wellbeing, not only in office buildings but in almost any other type of building as well.
The major national environmental goal is that of producing sustainable urban communities and indoor plants have the potential to contribute to the triple bottom line environmental, social and economic considerations," added Professor Burchett.
The findings were the final part a three year study, "Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing" conducted by UTS and supported by the Nursery and Garden Industry Austral (NGIA) and the National Interior Plantscape Association (NIPA) .
"Last year in other studies we we able to confirm that just a couple of plan in 200mm pot can be effective in reduci volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a room. The results of this study add to the body evidence that the potted plant microcosm can significantly improve many aspects indoor air quality, providing cleaner air and lower stress levels among occupants."
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