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

Credits: Well Certified

Biophilic Design Bridges WELL and LEED for Healthier, Greener Buildings

The future of building design is not just green—it’s alive. With the recent release of the WELL v2 + LEED v5 crosswalk, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) are doubling down on the importance of environments that prioritize both planetary and human health. This strategic alignment brings a clearer path for design teams committed to dual certification, streamlining documentation and unlocking the full potential of biophilic design.

Biophilic design—the intentional integration of natural elements like plants, daylight, water, and organic materials into the built environment—is a shared priority across both certification systems. In LEED, this approach supports credits for Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), Sustainable Sites, and Innovation, while WELL explicitly rewards the use of plants and nature-based interventions to enhance mental well-being, cognitive performance, and air quality.

Plants play a particularly crucial role in both frameworks. In LEED, vegetated surfaces contribute to heat island reduction, improve energy performance, and promote biodiversity. In WELL, greenery is tied to measurable outcomes in stress reduction, emotional satisfaction, and occupant engagement. The new crosswalk helps project teams leverage these overlapping goals with greater efficiency, encouraging adoption of biophilic strategies like living walls, indoor gardens, and views to nature across commercial and institutional spaces.

The results speak for themselves: since launching the streamlined LEED + WELL certification pathway, project uptake has tripled to nearly 250 million square feet across 766 global projects in 47 countries—a testament to the growing demand for environments that are both sustainable and health-centered.

This powerful momentum signals more than operational synergy—it represents a cultural shift in how we define building performance. By embracing plants as critical infrastructure for human resilience and environmental sustainability, WELL and LEED together are setting a new global standard.

As IWBI and USGBC continue refining this pathway, the message is clear: integrating nature into our buildings isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Credits: Plant Solutions

Plant Solutions Team Members Earn Historic Biophilic Design Certification

Jessica Buhr and Keeli McKae become first in the Interiorscape industry to receive Biophilic Design Certified Practitioner (BDCP) designation

Scottsdale, AZ— Joe Zazzera, President of Plant Solutions, proudly announces that Jessica Buhr, Managing Director, and Keeli McKae, Account Manager, have officially been certified as Biophilic Design Certified Practitioners (BDCP) by the Biophilic Design Institute. With this milestone, Buhr and McKae become the first individuals in
the Interiorscape industry to earn this distinction.

“This is a proud moment for our team,” said Zazzera. “Jessica and Keeli’s certification marks a new chapter in the evolution of our work—where the science of nature integration meets the art of design. Their dedication to advancing biophilic design aligns perfectly with our mission to bring the restorative power of nature indoors.”

The Biophilic Design Certified Practitioner (BDCP) certification is a rigorous, evidence-based program that empowers design professionals with the tools to incorporate nature into the built environment in meaningful, measurable ways. For the interiorscape industry—where living plants play a central role in enhancing indoor spaces—this certification bridges a crucial gap between design aesthetics, occupant well-being, and ecological awareness.

“This certification reinforces how critical nature is to our interior environments—not just for beauty, but for health, performance, and connection,” said Jessica Buhr. “It’s an exciting step forward, and I’m honored to be part of setting a new standard in our industry.”

As the interiorscape and interior design industries continue to evolve, the BDCP credential affirms a professional’s ability to apply the principles of biophilic design in both commercial and residential environments. From improving air quality and mental wellness to boosting creativity and productivity, biophilic design is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of high-performing interior environments.

Nicole Cranen, Co-Founder of the Biophilic Design Institute, praised the milestone: “We are thrilled to award Jessica and Keeli as our first certified practitioners from the interiorscape profession. Their passion for integrating living systems into design reflects the heart of biophilic design. They are leading the way, setting an example for others in the industry to follow.”

With this achievement, Plant Solutions continues to lead in the integration of biophilic principles into workplace, hospitality, healthcare, and residential spaces, further reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in nature-based design solutions.

About Plant Solutions

Founded by Joe Zazzera, Plant Solutions is a Scottsdale-based biophilic design firm specializing in living walls, interior plantscapes, and workplace wellness. With over four decades of experience, the company is committed to reconnecting people with nature through thoughtful, sustainable design.

About the Biophilic Design Institute

The Biophilic Design Institute is an international organization dedicated to advancing biophilic design education, research, and professional practice. Their certification programs equip practitioners with the scientific and practical knowledge to design environments that nurture human-nature connection.

Credits: Planter Trends

At this year’s AIA Conference in Boston, the Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) booth wasn’t just eye-catching—it was transformative. Designed as a lush oasis amid the concrete and digital displays, the booth featured vibrant greenery and a show-stopping NextGen living wall that naturally pulled attendees in. Many paused mid-aisle, smiled, and remarked, “I just had to come over here.”

But the impact didn’t stop at visual appeal. The real success was in the depth of engagement. GPGB hosted a series of live CEU previews and expert-led talks within the booth—each drawing attentive, standing-room-only crowds. From biophilic design principles to living architecture innovations, attendees stayed longer, asked thoughtful questions, and left inspired.

This experience proved what the research already tells us: people feel the benefits of plants immediately. Whether it was the calming presence of greenery or the meaningful conversations sparked by the sessions, the GPGB booth exemplified how living design can inform, restore, and connect.

As one volunteer said: “That wall worked.” And clearly, so did the message!

Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) will take center stage at the BOMA 2025 International Conference & Expo, June 28–July 1 in Boston, as a Premier Sponsor, Decor Sponsor, and exhibitor at Booth #643. This 20’x30′ immersive space will spotlight the real-world power of biophilic design in commercial real estate.

Don’t Miss These Highlights:

• “Your Brain on Plants: Discovering the Science of Nature-Infused Spaces to Enhance Tenant Well-Being and Boost Property Value” – Sunday, June 29 at 12:00 PM-Dr. Tuwanda Green explores how nature in the workplace boosts cognition, reduces stress, and drives performance.

• “Bringing Buildings to Life: Nature-Inspired Design in Action”– Sunday, June 29 at 1:00 PM-Jan Goodman dives into living walls to immersive green spaces to show how biophilia transforms workplaces and communities.

• “Power of Plants: Using Greenery to Engage and Retain Tenants” – Monday, June 30 at 11:30 AM-Samantha Goodman shares natural experiences that drive tenant connection, loyalty, and retention.

• “Bringing Buildings to Life: Nature-Inspired Design in Action”– Monday, June 29 at 12:30 PM-Jan Goodman dives into living walls to immersive green spaces to show how biophilia transforms workplaces and communities.

• “The Nature Dividend: Turning Brick, Glass, & Greenery into Asset Value” – Monday, June 30 at 1:30 PM-Jennifer Walsh shares how natural design elements translate into asset value through improved occupancy and tenant retention.

• “How to Utilize Automation in Plantscaping to Reduce Operational Costs”-Monday, June 30 at 2:30 PM-Rebecca Bullene shares how automation in plantscaping can dramatically reduce operational costs while enhancing plant health and sustainability in commercial spaces.

GPGB’s dynamic presence at BOMA 2025 highlights the growing importance of nature-infused environments in creating healthier buildings and increasing property value. Visit Booth #643 to experience how plants and natural design can reshape the future of CRE.

GPGB to Highlight the Role of Workplace Design in HR Solutions at SHRM25

As HR leaders tackle the pressing challenges of burnout, retention, and workplace well-being, Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) is bringing an essential insight to SHRM25: the spaces we create deeply influence how people feel, perform, and stay.

 Visit GPGB at Booth #3032
 June 29–July 1, 2025 | San Diego Convention Center

While HR teams are focused on improving culture and mental health, the physical work environment is often left out of the conversation. GPGB aims to change that.

Why It Matters:

• HR professionals manage people. Designers shape their environments.
  Yet, these two disciplines rarely collaborate—GPGB is here to bridge that gap.

• Nature-integrated design is a proven way to reduce stress, boost focus, support civility, and improve retention.
  GPGB provides the tools and insights to make that connection actionable for HR leaders.

 Don’t Miss Dr. Tuwanda Green on Center Stage
“Your Brain on Plants: Harnessing Biophilic Design for Workplace Wellness”
 June 30 | 11:00 AM | Room 26

Dr. Green, architect and principal at human., PLLC, will share how biophilic elements like daylight, greenery, and natural textures can become HR’s secret weapon in improving employee wellness and performance. Her session will cover:

• The neuroscience linking nature to reduced stress and improved focus

• Practical ways HR can collaborate with design and facilities teams

• The measurable ROI of biophilic workplaces

GPGB’s presence at SHRM25 is a call to action:
If we want to create workplaces that truly support people, we need to consider the spaces we place them in. Biophilic design is more than a design choice—it’s a people strategy, and it’s time HR leads the charge.

Join us for this month’s Green Plants for Green Buildings Supporter Open Forum as we explore how technology is reshaping the interiorscape industry—from the inside out.

 Date: Wednesday, June 25
 Time: 12:00 PM EST
 Location: Online

This session will focus on the tech tools transforming our field—from business management platforms and customer lifecycle systems to field service software. Whether you’re looking to optimize operations, enhance client experiences, or scale your services, this is your opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share insights with other GPGB supporters.

Open exclusively to GPGB supporters.
Not a member yet? Join today and help lead the future of greener, smarter built environments.

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

Your Support Powers Our Mission—Thank You!

GPGB’s work to promote greener, healthier built environments is only possible because of you—our dedicated supporters. Your involvement continues to shape the future of biophilic design and elevate the role of plants in commercial spaces.

Thank you for being part of a growing movement committed to connecting people with nature through design.

Supporter Action Step:
As we gear up for upcoming conferences, please update your GPGB profile and continue sharing your 15–30 second biophilia-focused videos (reels, stories, shorts) here . Your content may be featured on GPGB’s social media!

Find Trusted Interiorscape Experts with GPGB’s Provider Directory

Creating healthy, sustainable indoor spaces starts with the right expertise. Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) makes it easy to connect with certified professionals through its Provider Directory—a go-to resource for businesses seeking skilled interiorscapers who specialize in biophilic design.

Why work with a professional? These experts do more than beautify a space. They improve indoor air quality, support sustainability, and design plant installations that boost well-being and productivity. From eco-friendly materials to tailored plant selections, interiorscaping professionals deliver impactful, customized solutions that align with your brand and goals.

With GPGB’s Provider Directory, you can find the right partner to bring nature indoors—creating spaces that look good and feel even better.

Credit: Plantscapers, Inc.
Designer/Architect: H. Hendy
Design Consultant: Susi Tomich
Client: Corporate Headquarters-Diamond Bar

Plantscapers, Inc. completed a stunning patioscaping project at a corporate headquarters in Diamond Bar. This outdoor space, adjacent to the main office, features thoughtfully arranged container plantings and shaded areas that blend aesthetic appeal with functionality. By integrating native and drought-tolerant species, the design creates a sustainable, low-maintenance environment ideal for employee breaks, informal meetings, and corporate events-demonstrating how strategic greenery enhances both wellness and ambiance in commercial outdoor spaces.

Credits: Hardwood International

Harwood No. 14, a striking 27‑story office tower in Dallas’s revitalized Harwood District, features a lush 17,000 sq ft rooftop sky garden on its 12th level—a serene, park‑like terrace shaded by mature live oaks and designed for tenant use, socializing, and events. Collaboratively created by Kengo Kuma & Associates, Corgan, and HDF, the sky garden brings nature to the workplace, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments and emphasizing wellness and biophilic design in commercial architecture.

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.