As the world continues to battle the ever-increasing problem of air pollution, Green Living Screens offer a sustainable and effective solution. Green screens use living plants to absorb harmful pollutants from the air and release clean oxygen back into the environment. Not only do they improve air quality, but they also provide a natural aesthetic to any urban or industrial space.
According to research by King’s College London, it is estimated to have caused approximately 9,500 premature deaths in London in 2018. The harmful effects of air pollution range from minor ailments such as eczema and itchy eyes to more serious illnesses like cancer and lung disease.
By working with local authorities and schools, we hope to raise awareness and empower communities to take action to reduce air pollution and create a healthier future for everyone.
Islington Green Screens
On behalf of the London Borough of Islington, we recently installed 70 linear meters of green ivy screens (1.6m tall hedera helix woerner ) in timber planters along the busy A1 Archway Rd to act as a pollution barrier and lighten up the area for the local residents.
Green Ivy screens are a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to combat pollution in urban areas. Not only do they help to purify the air, but they also provide a habitat for birds and insects, increasing the local biodiversity, and also provide mental health benefits by creating a calming and serene environment.
A report by Defra & the GLA using our Green Screens showed: “a reduction in concentrations of up to 36% and 41% were found for NO2 and PM10, respectively."
At the base of the screens, we have planted a range of colourful perennials. Every other planter also contains a clematis montana grandiflora, a vigorous climber that will add pure white flowers from late spring to early summer to the screens.
The planters contain a 24L mona tank system which uses the process of capillary action to feed the plant where it needs water the most - at its roots. The screens are hardy, easy to maintain and a low-cost tool to reduce pollution and increase the local biodiversity.
"We have had very positive feedback from residents, so congratulations to you and your team on this piece of work" (Cara Claassen, Transport Project Manager, London Borough of Islington)
Havering Green Screens
We have also installed 104m of green screen planters across the borough of Havering. These house 1m tall Hedera helix-ivy screens, as well as a variety of hardy perennials at the base of the screens.
The planters have been distributed in Rainham, lining the alleyway between Viking Way and Upminster Road to help brighten the location. They've also been used on Collier Row roundabout, lining the pavement between the roundabout and Clockhouse Lane, helping to soften the area and separate the shops and cafes from the busy road beyond.
Powder coated steel planters have also been installed in the Elm Park area, housing a variety of shrubs, as well as several different species of Ivy which cascades down the walls of both the Station and Tadworth Parade. This will be trained as it grows, eventually creating a green wall of various shapes and shades.
This has been part of a wider scheme around the borough of Havering to provide additional planting and seating, creating a colourful, more pleasant area for all to enjoy.
The installation of green screens is just one step towards creating a cleaner and healthier environment for our communities to thrive in. We hope that more such initiatives will be taken in the future to combat the effects of pollution and create a sustainable future for our planet.
Green Screens at Prior Weston Primary School
We have worked with 100s of schools across London, installing 1000s of meters of green screens.
Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing respiratory systems. In addition to their primary function of improving air quality, Living Green Screens offer several other benefits. They enhance privacy for schools, provide valuable habitats for local biodiversity, and protect students from traffic emissions from nearby roads.
Moreover, the ivy screens provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn and engage with nature, which can foster a sense of connection and stewardship towards the environment.
Installing Green Living Screens is just one of the small steps we can take towards a cleaner and healthier future for our planet. Let's all do our part to combat air pollution and support eco-friendly alternatives.
