GREENERY FOR WELL-BEING

Greener, more sustainable and more prosperous cities with the help of plants.

Better quality of life

Less stress, more recovery

More creativity and productivity

Welcoming spaces and a stronger connection to nature

Solutions for the future

Managing stormwater with vegetation

Cooling greenery in the urban environment

Flowers and nature corridors for pollinators

Greenery enhances our well-being

Plants improve the aesthetic appeal of a space, whether it's a home, a workplace or a city. Research shows that green environments, such as green outdoor areas or the presence of plants indoors, improve mood and help maintain a connection with nature. Plants give spaces a pleasant atmosphere and significantly improve our well-being by reducing stress and increasing concentration and productivity.

Research shows that the presence of plants in workspaces increases creativity and concentration in employees. This leads to greater job satisfaction and lower employee turnover. Environments with natural elements create a pleasant atmosphere, which has been shown to improve employee mood and motivation, and give customers a positive first impression. The benefits of green spaces are therefore directly reflected in the company's operations and results.

Urban greenery, such as indoor greenery or an inviting entrance glowing with seasonal plants, can promote sales. Studies show that customers are more comfortable and relaxed in environments with plants and natural elements. This increases their willingness to stay longer and explore a wider range of services or products, which can lead to more purchases.

Green and attractive entrances and outdoor areas can increase the numbers of visitors and extend the time customers spend in shopping centres, for example. In addition, customers who find the environment of a store or shopping centre pleasant and relaxing are more likely to return. Greenery can create positive images and enhance brand loyalty. A well-maintained and pleasant environment also sends a message about the values of the company, which builds trust among employees and customers alike.

Download the Minä Viihdyn -booklet!

Find out more about the benefits of going green with our free guide booklets

Part 1: Well-being at work adds power to everyday life:

Why you should invest in occupational well-being

What does employee experience mean

What effect does space planning and green interior have on employees

The first 5 steps towards better work comfort

Part 2: Increase sales with greenery:

How well-being affects your company´s results

How do you plan a space that supports sales

How to get the most out of green interior design

What is the importance of comfort in purchasing behavior

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Urban greenness is a shared responsibility

Green urban environments are not only aesthetically pleasing; they are also important ecologically, socially and economically.

Well-designed urban green spaces provide natural habitats for many species, including birds and pollinators. This supports urban biodiversity and contributes to the equilibrium of ecosystems. Biodiversity can improve the sustainability of green spaces and reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilisers.

Plants also absorb carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, improving urban air quality and reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In addition, modern, ecologically designed green solutions, such as green walls that use stormwater runoff, can improve stormwater management, which reduces the risk of flooding and improves the quality of waters. Stormwater management is particularly important in cities where hard surfaces prevent water from naturally soaking into the soil. Vegetation and green spaces can help filter and store rainwater, reducing the load on the sewerage system.

Green solutions can also help mitigate the urban heat island effect. The heat island effect is mainly caused by the heat-trapping properties of buildings, roads and other surfaces, which raise urban temperatures. Adding vegetation to urban areas can help cool the air and reduce energy consumption, as green spaces provide shade and cool their surroundings by evaporating water.

Companies, communities and cities that invest in green spaces send a strong message about their environmental responsibility. Green spaces, whether indoors or outdoors, are a visible sign of commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. For example, companies that use modern green solutions such as green roofs and stormwater walls can contribute to reducing environmental stress and promoting biodiversity in the urban environment. These green solutions not only improve the environment, but can also bring economic benefits such as saving energy and potable water. In addition, green spaces can add value to real estate and attract new customers and employees, making businesses more competitive. Outdoor spaces with comfortable seating and shaded areas provide places to meet and relax, improving overall well-being and creating a sense of community in the urban environment.

Stormwater

Stormwater refers to rainwater and meltwater that flows from streets into drains. Stormwater is a phenomenon particularly prevalent in urban areas where hard surfaces predominate over absorbing surfaces. Depending on the age of the sewerage system, stormwater is either connected to the wastewater network or has its own stormwater network to reduce the load on wastewater treatment plants. Stormwater is not without its problems, as it accumulates substances such as road salt, heavy metals and microplastics. Attention needs to be paid to the management of stormwater run-off, as some of the substances will end up in water bodies despite treatment of the stormwater. However, stormwater has a huge potential for beneficial use. When used to irrigate plants, it saves water, reduces the load on sewage systems and prevents water pollution.

The heat island effect

Urban buildings, roads and other hard surfaces store heat, raising urban temperatures above those of surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is known as the heat island effect and is particularly severe during heat waves. Vegetation in cities can help cool the air by evaporating water and providing shade, thus reducing air conditioning costs. Green roofs, parks and other green solutions are effective ways to mitigate the effects of the heat island phenomenon. Increasing the greenness of urban areas can improve the quality of life of urban residents and reduce the impact of climate change.

Urban biodiversity

Urban biodiversity refers to the diversity of different species in urban areas, such as parks, green roofs and other green areas. Diverse green solutions provide habitats for pollinators, birds and other animals, thus supporting the balance of ecosystems. Urban biodiversity also improves urban sustainability by reducing the need for chemicals and improving stormwater management. Ecologically designed green solutions increase residents' connection to nature and improve their well-being. Urban biodiversity is an important component of sustainable urban development and environmental protection.

Sources

Berland, A., Shiflett, S. A., Shuster, W. D., Garmestani, A. S., Goddard, H. C., Herrmann, D. L., & Hopton, M. E. (2017). The role of trees in urban stormwater management. **Landscape and Urban Planning, 162**, 167-177.

Bianchini, F., & Hewage, K. (2012). How “green” are the green roofs? Lifecycle analysis of green roof materials. **Building and Environment, 48**, 57-65.

Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2007). Psychological benefits of indoor plants in workplaces: Putting experimental results into context. **HortScience, 42**(3), 581-587.

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Elmqvist, T., et al. (2013). Urbanization, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Challenges and Opportunities. Springer.

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Lohr, V. I., Pearson-Mims, C. H., & Goodwin, G. K. (1996). Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment. **Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 14**(2), 97-100.

McDonald, R. I., Marcotullio, P. J., & Güneralp, B. (2013). Urbanization and global trends in biodiversity and ecosystem services. In **Elmqvist, T. et al. (Eds.), Urbanization, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Challenges and Opportunities** (pp. 31-52). Springer.

Nowak, D. J., Crane, D. E., & Stevens, J. C. (2010). Air pollution removal by urban trees and shrubs in the United States. **Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 4**(3-4), 115-123.

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