Greening the indoors for a changing climate
Building on the success of the earlier RECLAIM Network Plus, which focused on urban green and blue infrastructure, GREENIN will explore the role of indoor greening in tackling climate and health challenges. The initiative will test how indoor plants influence indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and how these effects interact with outdoor greening around buildings.
“While outdoor greening solutions like green walls and trees are well researched, we lack a clear understanding of how indoor plants affect indoor air quality and comfort – and how their impact will change with a warming climate,” said Professor Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of GCARE and leader of the project. “Integrating plants into building design could help meet Net Zero goals while improving wellbeing for occupants and supporting healthier, more resilient spaces.”
Collaborating for healthier urban spaces
The network brings together 27 UK and international partners, including universities, government bodies, councils, and environmental organisations. Partners include RHS Garden Wisley and Portsmouth City Council, which are supporting applied research and community engagement to inform national policy and building design guidelines.
Dr Mark Gush, Head of Environmental Horticulture at RHS Garden Wisley, said: “We’ve long recognised the profound impact that indoor plants can have on human health and wellbeing. With people spending around 90% of their time indoors, understanding how plants filter air and regulate humidity to promote greener living spaces has never been more important.”
Daniel Williams, Public Health Principal for Healthy Places at Portsmouth City Council, added: “With indoor air pollution emerging as a key aspect of our Clean Air Strategy, the GREENIN project offers a valuable opportunity to better understand how natural infrastructure can improve wellbeing and urban resilience.”
Delivering science for healthier buildings
The research will study indoor air quality, humidity and thermal control – known collectively as hygrothermal regulation – alongside the biological and psychological effects of indoor plants. Findings will support policymakers, architects and designers in creating buildings that balance health, comfort and sustainability.
Part of UKRI’s broader initiative to fund research addressing climate change, urbanisation and public health, the project aims to deliver new guidance for building design and urban planning, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those sensitive to poor air quality.
The network officially launches with a webinar on 22 October, featuring talks from leading experts and opportunities for collaboration. Members of the public, researchers and policymakers can join the network through the GREENIN website.
