This e-newsletter brings you the latest information and resources on biophilic design, the industry, and GPGB updates. 

Credits: USGBC

LEED v5 Embraces Biophilic Design

With the launch of LEEDv5 in early 2025, biophilic design has gained official recognition through a new credit category called “Connecting with Nature.” This is a major step forward for architects, designers, and plantscaping professionals who have long championed the value of bringing nature into built environments.

The “Connecting with Nature” credit rewards design strategies that strengthen the human-nature connection. Key features include:

• Use of natural materials and textures

• Integration of greenery in indoor and outdoor spaces

• Maximized daylight and views of the outdoors

• Multi-sensory nature experiences (sight, sound, scent)

• Spaces designed to support mental and emotional wellness

The focus has shifted from simply creating beautiful spaces to designing environments that offer meaningful, sensory-rich experiences with nature.

While biophilic design has been embraced by many in recent years, its inclusion in LEED v5 marks a pivotal moment. It acknowledges the proven benefits of nature in built environments—from stress reduction and improved mood to enhanced air quality and productivity. These design strategies are now part of the global green building standard.

This update creates more opportunity for early collaboration between design teams and greenery experts. Biophilic elements are now core components of sustainable design—not just decorative features.

Credits: Financial Times, Building Biospheres by Bas Smets. Photograph by Michiel De Cleene.

“Building Biospheres” – A Radical Green Vision at the Venice Biennale

At the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, Belgian architect Bas Smets presents Building Biospheres, a groundbreaking pavilion filled not with models or renderings, but with a living, sensor-equipped forest. The project explores the concept of plant intelligence—the idea that plants, through their evolved sensitivity and environmental influence, possess a form of agency we can learn from and design around.

Smets, collaborating with plant neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso and other scientists, envisions a symbiotic architecture, where buildings adapt to the needs of plants and, in turn, plants enhance human life—filtering air, reducing heat, and generating oxygen.

Technologies like sap flow monitors and AI-controlled lighting are used to create what Smets calls “cyborg trees,” blending organic life with intelligent systems. The concept redefines sustainability, aiming not just to decorate with plants, but to design buildings that function as ecosystems—responsive, collaborative, and fundamentally greener.

Smets believes this fusion of architecture and nature signals a new future, one where plants are active agents in urban design, not ornamental afterthoughts.
“In a way, we have to rethink how we live on this planet,” says Smets, “and by bringing the most important living organisms that have allowed life on the planet into the building we change the status of that building.”

The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2025 (AIA25) is more than just the premier AEC industry event—it’s a powerful invitation to inspiration. With four dynamic days of immersive learning, visionary keynotes, architect-led tours, and the largest industry expo featuring 600+ brands, AIA25 is where innovation, connection, and transformation come to life. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, contractor, or emerging professional, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and tools to design a better world.

This June in Boston, Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) proudly returns to AIA25 at booth #282, championing the transformative power of biophilic design. As the built environment continues to evolve, GPGB’s mission—to connect people and buildings with nature—has never been more relevant.

Why Biophilic Design Matters

Biophilic design isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven approach that enhances well-being, boosts productivity, and supports sustainability by integrating plants and natural systems into our indoor spaces. GPGB leads the charge with education, research, and advocacy, giving design professionals the resources they need to stay ahead of the curve.

Learn from the Leaders

At AIA25, GPGB will also host live speaker sessions, featuring some of the most innovative voices in biophilic design. Attendees will gain practical insights, see real-world applications, and discover how designing with nature can drive better outcomes—for people and the planet.

Whether you’re seeking CE credits, industry-leading ideas, or a fresh perspective on sustainable design, be sure to stop by GPGB at booth #282—and consider becoming a supporter.

Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) is proud to announce that its session, “Your Brain on Plants: Harnessing Biophilic Design for Workplace Wellness,” has been accepted for presentation at the SHRM25 Annual Conference & Expo, taking place June 29–July 2, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center .​
This session, led by Dr. Tuwanda Green, Principal Architect and Adjunct Professor at Human., PLLC, will delve into the transformative impact of biophilic design on employee mental health and productivity. Attendees will explore the science behind integrating natural elements into workplace environments and learn practical strategies for implementation.​

Session Highlights

• Understanding Biophilic Design: Explore the connection between natural elements and employee well-being.​

• Practical Integration: Discover actionable steps to incorporate nature into office spaces.​

• Business Case Development: Learn how biophilic initiatives can enhance retention, engagement, and organizational success.​

• Interactive Learning: Engage with real-world case studies and discussions focused on measurable outcomes.​

As workplaces continue to evolve, incorporating biophilic design principles becomes increasingly vital. GPGB’s session at SHRM25 offers HR professionals innovative tools to foster resilience, satisfaction, and productivity within their organizations.​

Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) is set to make a significant impact at the BOMA 2025 International Conference & Expo, taking place June 28–July 1, 2025, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. As a  Platinum Sponsor, Decor Sponsor, and exhibitor at booth #643, GPGB advances its mission to promote the proven benefits of nature in the built environment.

A 20’x30′ Immersive Experience

GPGB’s expansive 20’x30′ booth will serve as an interactive showcase of biophilic design principles. Attendees can explore how incorporating natural elements into commercial spaces enhances occupant well-being, boosts productivity, and contributes to sustainability goals.​

Connecting with Industry Professionals

BOMA 2025 attracts a diverse audience of property professionals, including building owners, managers, and service providers. GPGB’s presence offers these stakeholders insights into the benefits of biophilic design, providing actionable strategies to create healthier, more engaging commercial spaces.

❗️GPGB will host live speaker sessions featuring leading voices in biophilic design. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with practical insights and real-world applications of incorporating nature into building designs. Attendees will discover how biophilic design can enhance tenant satisfaction, improve wellness, and contribute to sustainable building operations.

GPGB has launched a new open forum dedicated to fostering community and engagement within the interiorscape industry. Hosts,  Rebecca Bullene, founder of Greenery NYC and Sean Campbell, President of Grundy’s Plantscaping, hosted a session on April 16th to introduce the monthly small group meetings aimed at enhancing GPGB supporter engagement and building a stronger interiorscape community. The event was highly attended and numerous topics of interest for future small groups were discussed. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, share insights, and contribute to the growth of our industry.

Interested in joining the conversation? Please click the button below to opt-in to the interiorscape community forum open to all current GPGB supporters. Monthly discussions will take place on the last Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m. EST, beginning in May.

• Marketing & Communications
• Supporter Development
• Education & Professional Development

GPGB is making a difference and it’s all thanks to our valued supporters. Our supporter’s participation and contribution is greatly appreciated not only by us, but by everyone in the industry.

Credit: Houzz.com, Photo by Steve Young

Designed and built in collaboration with Mithun Architects and The Schuster Group, Mosler Lofts is the first condominium development in Seattle to receive silver LEED certification. Located in the Belltown District of Downtown Seattle, this urban ecological model serves as the northern portal to Seattle’s Greenstreets and a poignant connection between nature and the urban environment.

By reintroducing habitat to a previously un-vegetated site, the water efficient, low maintenance landscapes adorn the building from ground level to the rooftop, conveying storm water into the planted areas, encouraging infiltration and transpiration into the natural system while easing the burden on the urban watershed. The 3,000 square foot rooftop with stunning views of Downtown, people can experience the value of an urban garden while enjoying regional views of mountains, water and islands. The living roof provides residents with social gathering spaces, such as a fire circle, and provides the building itself with added insulation, storm water retention and filtration.

By providing landscape on street level, and a rooftop garden, this project gives the public and homeowners many opportunities to enjoy and connect with nature in the urban setting.

Credits: Growing Green

Growing Green, a woman-owned interior plantscape company based in St. Louis, celebrated Earth Week 2025 with a series of vibrant, community-centered events that embraced the joy and benefits of plants. The team organized plant giveaways, offering residents and local businesses a chance to bring greenery into their spaces. These giveaways weren’t just about aesthetics—they emphasized how indoor plants can boost well-being, enhance focus, and improve air quality.

A highlight of the week was Growing Green’s Annual Plant Party Happy Hour. Guests gathered at the company’s St. Louis facility for an evening of connection, creativity, and community impact. Attendees enjoyed hands-on potting stations, where they personalized their own plants to take home, while learning simple care tips from Growing Green experts. The event doubled as a fundraiser for Youth In Need, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering local youth.

The Growing Green team expressed gratitude for the warm community response, sharing that they had a wonderful time spreading “natural joy” throughout St. Louis. Their Earth Week events reflected a deep passion for cultivating healthier, greener spaces—and for using the power of plants to give back.

Want to Help Keep Nature in the News?

Everything we accomplish happens because people like you are stepping forward and supporting GPGB’s focus on having conversations with the building professionals who can #BringNatureIndoors.

If the spirit moves you, please consider supporting our work by making a donation.