What is the effect of interior landscaping on the indoor climate?
Last Updated: 11 June 2026
Interior landscaping supports a comfortable indoor environment and boosts humidity levels. While plants absorb certain compounds in laboratory settings, a well-balanced ventilation system remains decisive for effective air exchange in the workplace.
Prioritizing a comfortable indoor climate
Air pollution is a major challenge in many urban areas. While often associated with the outdoors, it has a significant impact inside our buildings—where indoor air can be substantially more polluted than outdoor air. A well-managed indoor climate is essential for workplace comfort and employee well-being.
Globally, over 6 million premature deaths occur annually due to poor air quality. Given that employees spend a large portion of their day indoors, a well-maintained working environment plays a crucial role in supporting overall health.
Where do petrol fumes in the workplace originate?
In facilities located near busy roads or parking garages, indoor climate quality requires dedicated focus from facility managers. The internal environment is shaped by factors including ventilation efficiency, temperature control, and interior design choices.
The Scientific Research by Ambius and UTS
Previous studies have examined the interaction between plants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To build on this, Ambius collaborated with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), led by Associate Professor Fraser Torpy.
The study used a specific vertical planting system in a controlled testing environment: the Ambius LivePicture GO; a wall-mounted living frame holding 4 plants. The plant selection featured a specific mix of:
- Scindapsus aureus (Devil's Ivy)
- Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant)
- Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)
During the experiment, the setups were placed in sealed, controlled laboratory chambers, where the concentration of various chemical compounds was precisely measured over an 8-hour period.
Laboratory study findings
Measurements inside the sealed test chambers demonstrated a decline in the concentration of the introduced compounds over the testing window. This provides valuable insight into how plants interact with specific airborne substances within an enclosed space.
The study observed that certain compounds decreased in concentration more rapidly than others. For instance, in the test setup, measured levels of benzene declined faster than those of alcohol.
Practical insights
"In our daily practice, we see how interior planting instantly enriches workplace atmosphere. When our service specialists install plants across client facilities, it creates an inviting, highly polished aesthetic. Plantings foster a comfortable environment and build a truly motivating workplace."