Improving the Indoor Environment

This paper selectively reviews scientific research on the positive effects on building occupant’s health, well-being and productivity that result from the presence of indoor plants in the workplace. Case studies show improvement in indoor air quality, (with a reduction in the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improved productivity by up to 12%, and reduced absenteeism and staff turnover cost. Indoor air pollution is a health hazard, which causes diseases, lost work days and reduced quality of life. Unhealthy indoor air has been estimated to cost the Australian community $12 billion dollars a year, and is a generally unrecognized significant environmental issue.