Health Benefits

Do Plants in the Office Promote Good Health?

Prof. Dr. Tøve Fjeld,  Agricultural University of Norway, As/Oslo.

A modern lifestyle presents us with a new situation in terms of psychological perspectives on our health. The study of the effect which our environment has on us is called 'environmental psychology'. Studies in this field have clearly shown that our environment has a significant effect on our sense of wellbeing, our emotional stability and our stress limits. They have shown that nature as encountered in parks, open spaces and forests leads to reduced stress. This raises the question: Why does nature have this effect? One explanation for this appears to be provided by the concept of "psychological identity". It is not just the physical body that must ensure that we can live and survive in the wilds, but also mankind's psychological component. It is claimed that we switch on an 'automatic pilot' when we walk - for example - in the woods, that deep within us we have some kind of inherited consciousness which recognises nature and the natural elements as something familiar. On the other hand, when we are in an unfamiliar environment, we use a great deal of mental energy to ensure that a certain distance is maintained. Download PDF

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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Interior Plants for Sustainable Facility Ecology and Workplace Productivity 

Margaret Burchett, Fraser Torpy & Jane Tarran; Plants and Indoor Environmental Quality Group; and Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney.

Human ecology (humans in their relationships with the environment) has a history extending up to two million years. Our species has continued to be biologically well adapted to ‘nature’ over this period. We are reliant on plants for everything we need, from food, shelter and oxygen to also being the sink for carbon dioxide (unknown by our ancestors). Our ancestors recognised an essential role for plants in providing pleasure, perfumes, peace, piety and glimpses of ‘paradise’. We still have the same requirements as our forebears. In contrast, the increasingly rapid growth of modern cities has occured over only the last two hundred years. How well adapted are we to our new, urban ecology? Download PDF

How Nature Contributes to our Wellbeing and Broader Societal Benefits

School of Health and Social Development Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences,
'Healthy Parks, healthy people' 2nd edition March 2008, Deakin University Burwood, Melbourne.

Research from many different sectors including urban planning, community development, physical and mental health, tourism, education, recreation, ecology and park management (urban and protected area). This diversity of perspectives allows business to understand the benefits of nature through the eyes of many.  Download PDF