The University of Guelph-Humber’s bio-filter Plant Wall

Located at the University of Guelph-Humber, the plant wall, also known as the living wall, is a new form of technology that uses a biological system to filter indoor air.[1]

Alan Darlington, the inventor of the plant wall, says that the "eye-catching ‘plant wall’ extending from top to bottom at one end of the four-story building's atrium will provide lush relief year-round. Beyond esthetics, the bio-filter will help clean and freshen the air in the building, and is expected to help reduce the school's air-conditioning bill."

The plant wall is one of the largest installations by Darlington and his company.[2] The wall has an area of approximately 150 square meters and consists of over 1,000 individual living plants. The wall acts as a bio-filter and purifies the air that circulates around the building. Working like a humidifier, the plant wall warms the building's air in the winter and cools the air in the summer. The living wall reduces the threat of airborne pollutants and creates a more esthetically pleasing environment. The wall also saves energy by lowering the need to bring new air into the building.[3]

Method of operation

A structure called a "plenum" supports and distributes the airflow through the plant wall; a synthetic media covers this "plenum. Ferns, foliage and flowering plants are planted hydroponically (without soil) into the synthetic media. The plants are then fed through a circulating nutrient solution. The building's air handling system, which the plant wall is connected to, removes dirty air. While that process is happening, the plants' leaves utilize CO2 in the air for photosynthesis, and oxygen is released back into the building.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Living wall" (PDF). Air Quality Solutions. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  2. ↑ Vowles, Andrew. "Guelph-Humber Plant Wall a Breath of Fresh Air". University of Guelph. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  3. ↑ "Plant Wall". University of Guelph Humber. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
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