Indoor plants play a significant role when it comes to managing the important relationship between temperature control and humidity levels.
In the face of workplace health issues, BMW, at their Munich plant, undertook their own tests on the benefits of including indoor plants in the workplace. After gathering data from the areas with, and those without indoor plants, the statistics showed that 93% of the employees experienced an increase in motivation and feelings of improved health. Where plants were present, it was also found that better humidity levels led to improved comfort levels.
Thermostatic control of temperature is the most commonly used method of regulating indoor temperatures. As a stand-alone measurement, this is not a true reflection of comfort levels – to achieve optimum thermal comfort, temperature has to be considered together with humidity, clothing, air velocity and other independent factors. Indoor plants go through a process called transpiration during which moisture is produced. This is presented in the form of moisture on the underside of their leaves.
This natural ability to produce moisture, and the contribution this can make to maintaining optimum humidity levels, offers designers an effective practical solution.