Is Biophilic Design Sustainable? An In-depth Analysis

Is Biophilic Design Sustainable?

Take a long, deep breath and picture this…

A plant-filled oasis where you feel calm yet energised. A haven that nurtures creativity and well-being.

From potted plants to vertical gardens, the greenery brings a touch of the outdoors inside, cleansing the air and connecting you to the natural world.

Technology blends subtly into the background, providing efficiency without overshadowing the natural beauty that surrounds you.

This realm, where the line between indoor comfort and the outdoor world softly fades, is not a distant retreat... 

It's your everyday workspace. 

An office that functions not just as a place of work but as a dynamic environment that energises and inspires.

This vision is at the heart of biophilic design, a concept that integrates nature into the built environment to improve human well-being and promote environmental sustainability. 

In this article, we explore the role of biophilic design within building and interior design, focusing on its contributions to well-being and sustainability.

Understanding Biophilic Design

The biophilic design approach aims to incorporate natural elements into the design of our everyday spaces, such as offices, homes, and schools.

Core Principles of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design operates on several principles, including:

• Direct exposure to nature: Integrating real natural elements like plants, water, and natural light into indoor spaces.

• Indirect connection to nature: Using natural materials, colours, shapes, and patterns to evoke nature.

• Spatial effects: Designing spaces to mimic the variability and complexity of natural landscapes.

Impact on Staff Well-being and Productivity

Incorporating biophilic design, particularly through the use of plants, has been shown to have a substantial positive impact on workplace environments:

• Enhanced well-being: Studies suggest that workplaces with natural elements, like indoor plants, can mitigate stress and boost employee well-being. For example, research shows that views of greenery from a workspace can decrease stress levels and elevate mood. Additionally, incorporating natural elements in workplaces has been associated with a 15% increase in well-being and creativity among employees. For more details on this, explore this report titled The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace.

• Increased productivity: Increased productivity is notably influenced by the integration of plants and natural light within the workplace. Research spanning various countries highlights the significant advantages of incorporating 'micro-nature'—small, cost-effective methods of integrating natural elements—into office settings. The essence of this research is captured in the finding that even minimal interactions with nature in the office can profoundly impact employees' well-being, leading to improved task performance, increased cooperation, and a boost in creativity. You can find out more about this study in the Harvard Business Review: Research: A Little Nature in the Office Boosts Morale and Productivity.

• Reduced absenteeism: By improving air quality and reducing stress, biophilic design can lead to healthier work environments, which in turn has been linked to a notable decrease in absenteeism. Businesses that integrate natural elements experience a reduction in the number of sick days reported by employees. For more detailed insights into this topic, including some interesting facts on National Sickie Day, visit our blog article on reducing absenteeism with office plants

Biophilic Design and Sustainability

Biophilic design provides a comprehensive method that fits perfectly with sustainable architecture and interior design, aiming at the long-term well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. But in what ways is biophilic design sustainable? 
Let’s take a closer look…

Materials
Sustainable biophilic design prioritises materials that are renewable, have low environmental impact, and can be sourced locally. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also supports local ecosystems and economies. 
Materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and natural stone are often featured in biophilic spaces, marrying durability with the innate beauty of natural textures and patterns.

Energy Efficiency
Biophilic design captures the power of natural light and ventilation, significantly reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. 
Large windows, skylights, and strategically placed indoor plants can improve air quality and light distribution, making spaces not only more energy-efficient but also more pleasant and productive environments. This natural regulation of indoor climates contributes to a substantial reduction in energy consumption and operational costs.

Waste Reduction
Waste reduction stands as a fundamental aspect of biophilic design, which effectively incorporates green roofs and living walls to improve sustainability. These innovative elements play a dual role in conserving water and minimising waste, leading to more efficient heating and cooling through natural insulation.

Water Conservation Techniques:

Green Roofs: Outfitted with soil and vegetation, green roofs naturally absorb rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff and the strain on sewage systems. This natural irrigation system uses retained water to nourish the plants, with any surplus water returned to the environment, thus diminishing the need for additional watering.

Living Walls: Also referred to as vertical gardens, outdoor living walls contribute to indoor temperature control by offering natural insulation. According to a study carried out by Sheffield University, living walls can cool buildings by up to 20°C in the summer, and insulate by up to 7°C in the winter. Integrated with rainwater harvesting, they use collected rainwater for irrigation, promoting further water conservation.

Living walls have been cropping up all over London over the past few years; check out this beautiful living wall at Regal House in Covent Garden.

Discover how Plant Plan can craft and implement a bespoke living wall for your space here.
Waste Reduction Techniques:

Sustainable Material Use: The preference for organic, renewable, and locally sourced materials in green roofs and living walls cuts down on transportation and packaging waste.

Recycling Water: Implementing systems that recycle greywater (relatively clean wastewater from baths, sinks, and appliances) for irrigation in both green roofs and living walls significantly lowers water waste.

Ensuring Longevity and Durability: Designed to endure and adapt, these biophilic features require fewer replacements and renovations, effectively reducing construction and demolition waste.

Sustainable Biophilic Design in Action: A Case Study

British Airways: BA embraced biophilic design to revitalise its luxury customer lounges for premium passengers. Partnering with IFSE, we installed a luxury moss wall and additional planting to create a vibrant oasis for passengers. These installations not only enhanced the passenger experience but also improved air quality and energy efficiency within the lounge areas. The use of sustainable, air-purifying plants in these spaces highlights British Airways' dedication to creating healthier, more sustainable environments for its customers, demonstrating the airline's commitment to integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations.
By integrating natural elements into both luxury and everyday settings, projects like this demonstrate the versatility and environmental benefits of biophilic design, showcasing its potential to transform spaces in a manner that supports the well-being of both people and the planet.

Is Biophilic Design Sustainable? Final Thoughts

Biophilic design forges a path towards environmental responsibility in architecture and interior design. By integrating natural elements into our spaces, it not only promotes sustainability but also enriches our well-being, creating spaces that sustain both the environment and the human spirit.
As we continue to tackle the climate challenges of the 21st century, the principles of biophilic design offer a roadmap for creating resilient, thriving communities that benefit our planet and future generations.

Ready to reconnect your space to the power of nature? 

Explore Plant Plan's range of biophilic design solutions and take the first step towards a greener, more sustainable future. Discover how we can help.