Last updated: 15 July 2026

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) comprises health and comfort complaints directly linked to the time spent in an office building. A green wall effectively resolves this by filtering up to 87% of airborne toxins within 24 hours. Furthermore, these vertical living walls release oxygen faster than regular houseplants, directly contributing to a healthier work environment.

What Exactly is Sick Building Syndrome?

The Environmental Protection Agency defines Sick Building Syndrome as situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects. These effects appear to be directly linked to the time spent in the building, though no specific illness or clear cause can be identified.

Once people leave the workplace, their symptoms usually disappear immediately. Complaints that can arise from a disrupted indoor climate include:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Itching
  • Throat irritation

In addition to these physical reactions, an unhealthy building can also lead to increased stress levels, higher sickness absenteeism, and a clear reduction in work efficiency.

De geschiedenis van SBS en een slechte luchtkwaliteit

The History and Causes of Poor Air Quality

In the first half of the 20th century, ventilation requirements focused primarily on reducing body odours. Following the 1973 oil embargo, energy conservation regulations became stricter. Consequently, the ventilation standard was lowered to just 0.15 cubic metres per minute per person. This caused a sharp decline in air quality in many buildings. Although standards have since been raised, a large portion of offices still struggle with a disrupted indoor climate.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has mapped the main causes of poor indoor air quality:

  • Inadequate ventilation (52% of cases): Often a problem with the HVAC system not distributing air correctly throughout the building.
  • Indoor chemical toxins (16% of cases): Emissions from devices such as photocopiers, adhesives, and manufactured wood often contain harmful substances, including formaldehyde.
  • Outdoor chemical toxins (10% of cases): Exhaust fumes and sewer gas drawn into the building through poorly positioned ventilation grilles.
  • Biological contaminants (5% of cases): Bacteria, moulds, and viruses multiplying in stagnant water in insulation materials or beneath floor tiles.
     

Our Experts Speak on Vertical Planting

In our daily practice, we often see indoor air quality quietly deteriorate due to modern office equipment and inadequate ventilation. Our experts on the ground frequently hear that after a vertical living wall is installed, employees suffer significantly less from dry eyes and fatigue. Natural purification by plants tackles pollution directly at the source.

How a Green Wall Helps Improve Your Office Design

A green wall (also known as a vertical garden) is an effective weapon against Sick Building Syndrome. The benefits at a glance:

  • Rapid air purification: The plants in the wall break down harmful chemicals and convert them into clean oxygen.
  • Energy cost savings: A green wall helps cool the building in summer by reducing the surface temperature. In winter, it provides extra insulation, lowering heating and air conditioning costs.
  • Connection with nature: Working in a green environment reduces stress and enhances the well-being of your staff.