LEED Credit for Indoor Plants

Industry Insights: Second Building in U.S. Gets LEED Credit for Use of Indoor Plants

Albuquerque New Mexico's West Corporation was recently awarded Silver LEED Certification in part through the use of indoor plants, only the second project to do so in the U.S. Credit for the use of live plants indoors was given under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the third party rating system offered through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Points were awarded in the category of Innovation in Design. According to Studio Southwest Architects and the LEED Consultant Halcom Consulting, key points cited in the submittal were live plant's ability to filter Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), uptake carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and release fresh oxygen into the atmosphere. The credit award supports the argument that human beings need to feel connected to the natural environment in order to enjoy a sense of psychological, physical and social well-being. It is widely recognized that plants in the workplace offer more than just aesthetic value. In fact, research science and studies have shown that in addition to improving indoor air quality they help reduce stress, enhance employee attitudes, and increase productivity.

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