LEED Rating System

Interior Design & Construction: Commercial Interiors

We have reviewed the LEED v5 rating system and are pleased to see the inclusion of key advancements, such as total carbon assessment, human impact assessment, and climate risk assessment, for every project. These updates represent significant progress toward a more comprehensive approach to sustainable building practices.

We are also encouraged by the inclusion of Biophilia in the LEED v5 framework. However, we would like to emphasize the importance of integrating live plants and green walls as a critical component of this initiative, due to the substantial benefits they offer for indoor environments in a progressive and meaningful way.

As you are aware, live plants in indoor spaces provide several well-documented advantages:

1. Air Purification: Live plants absorb harmful pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like Formaldehyde and Benzene, which pose serious health risks.

2. Particulate Matter Filtration: Plants help improve air quality by filtering particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10.

3. CO2 Reduction: Certain species, such as Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant), are particularly effective at reducing CO2 levels in indoor spaces.

We commend LEED's initiative to monitor air quality through the use of measurement devices  that track both indoor and outdoor pollution levels. However, it is crucial to highlight that only natural technologies—such as live plants—are uniquely effective at eliminating or controlling many of these harmful pollutants.

Thus, we strongly suggest that live plants should be given higher priority within the broader framework of Biophilic Design attributes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified VOCs like Benzene and Formaldehyde as carcinogens, further emphasizing the need for proactive measures to reduce these risks in indoor environments. Additionally, NASA’s Clean Air Study has identified specific plant species as highly effective in removing toxic substances from the air.

We have noticed in the public draft of LEED v5 for Interior Design and Construction that 1 point is allocated for "Integrating Nature into Indoor Spaces." However, the inclusion of live plants is not mandatory to achieve this point or to attain LEED certification at any grade level.

Given these findings, we respectfully request that indoor live green walls with LED grow lamps be recognized, as they allow for a high density of plants within minimal space, which is particularly valuable for achieving higher LEED grades.

By incorporating these elements, LEED would set a strong example for promoting nature conservation, sustainable design, and healthier indoor environments. Expanding the use of green elements within the certification process will further demonstrate LEED's commitment to both environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Our Proposal:

• Mandate that indoor live green walls cover at least 5% of the floor space for projects seeking LEED Gold and Platinum certification.

• Encourage the use of plants such as Epipremnum aureum and Hedera helix for absorbing pollutants like Benzene and Trichloroethylene, and Chlorophytum comosum for its effectiveness in absorbing Formaldehyde and CO2 from indoor environments.

By making these changes, LEED will take a vital step toward creating healthier and more sustainable indoor spaces.

Pio Vitharana

Member of Emirates Green Building Council

Manufacturer of Indoor Green Wall Structures

Phone +971523844452