Last updated: 15 July 2026

In modern office buildings, the experience of the workplace frequently leaves much to be desired. A plant wall offers a high-quality, stylish addition to the interior and supports relative humidity. This contributes to a pleasant, welcoming, and comfortable working environment for your employees.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is an umbrella term used by building institutes, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to describe situations in which building occupants experience comfort and indoor climate complaints that are linked to the time spent in a building. A specific illness or single cause can rarely be identified.

Addressing indoor climate issues primarily requires structural measures and the correct adjustment of building systems. Within the general office experience, a less comfortable indoor climate can impact spatial comfort and the daily workplace atmosphere.

The background of the office indoor climate

In the first half of the 20th century, office ventilation requirements focused mainly on basic air exchange. Following the energy crisis of the 1970s, regulations for insulation and energy efficiency became considerably stricter. Although ventilation standards have since been modernized, some office buildings still struggle with a less comfortable indoor climate.

Research by building institutes such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicates that indoor climate complaints are often influenced by various building factors:

  • Ventilation system settings: HVAC systems that are not optimally adjusted for the actual occupancy of the space.

  • Intensive use of office equipment: Frequent use of printers, photocopiers, and packaging materials in enclosed spaces.

  • External environmental factors: Outdoor air from urban environments entering through open windows or ventilation grilles.

De geschiedenis van SBS en een slechte luchtkwaliteit

Our experts on vertical landscaping

In our daily practice, we see that office atmosphere can improve rapidly with the addition of vertical elements. Our technicians on the ground notice that a plant wall creates a tranquil, inviting appearance. Thoughtful design supports the overall experience of the room and enhances spatial comfort.

How a plant wall enriches your office interior

While planting is no substitute for mechanical ventilation, a plant wall makes a valuable contribution to the overall working environment. Key benefits include:

  • Spatial ambiance: The plants in the wall bring variety to the interior and support humidity levels in a natural way.

  • Acoustics and comfort: A plant wall helps dampen ambient noise, creating pleasant acoustics throughout the space.

  • Workplace experience: Looking at greenery provides a resting point for the eyes and contributes to employee comfort.