Nature In The News

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

Biophilic Design Sweeps Through Singapore’s Buildings as Property Owners Go Green, A Story by Noreen Jazul

Photo by Filipe Freitas on Unsplash
© Provided by Singapore Business Review

Incorporating nature-inspired building elements boosts occupant productivity, says an architecture expert.

With Singapore actively working to create an environment that is not only sustainable but also a stress-free one, especially for its professionals, more and more buildings in the country have been adopting biophilic design.

“Biophilic design engenders spaces that resonate with tranquillity and rejuvenation,” Joe Fu, director for ONG&ONG Architecture, told Singapore Business Review.

Ultimately, Fu said such design mitigates stress levels and alleviates anxiety “as exposure to natural elements and patterns has been scientifically linked to a reduction in stress.”

“The rising tide of biophilic design principles has illuminated the positive impact on human well-being.”

Call To Action

GPGB wants to showcase our Supporters and NEEDS YOUR BEST WORK:

We would love to share your work with others in the industry! Please email 15-30 second pan video shots of your product, installs, showrooms, or anything related to Biophilic Design to admin@gpgb.org.

Save the Date

GPGB is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting!
Topic: Quarterly Supporter Video Call Featuring Paige Tisdale

This will be the second Quarterly Supporter Video Call as part of the new GPGB Supporter Levels! We will be sharing the link with all current supporters via email. Join to learn about the latest updates to the GPGB Registered Trainer Program, hear from an Industry Expert, engage, build community, and network with others in the industry! Get inspiration, give feedback, and participate in open Q&A. If you are available, please participate to support GPGB and this new feature for GPGB Supporters!

Meet our host: Paige is currently the Business Developer at Dennis’ 7 Dees and works with commercial spaces indoors and out. She received her Bachelors of Science in Horticulture and thrives in sharing her passion of plants and the benefits they offer mentally, physically, and emotionally. Being in the Green Industry for 7 years, she has dabbled in plant shops, landscaping, golf courses, floral design, and now promotes Biophilic Design in the urban environment. With sustainability as a focus in her career, she is a Registered Trainer with Green Plants for Green Buildings and teaches about the positive effects biophilic design has on human behavior, including well-being and productivity. She is currently the President of the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association for the Portland Chapter, and serves in various capacities of other local and national associations. Currently working on receiving her WELL AP and MBA, she is always striving to learn more about the wonderful world of plants and how they can improve our lives.”

Time: Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

The Third Week In September

What is National Indoor Plant Week? It’s a Celebration!

National Indoor Plant Week was established to increase public awareness of the importance of indoor plants and their many attributes. Only some of which include cleaning the air we breathe…we like to say, “The oxygen doesn’t arrive until the plants arrive.” Statistics have proven that indoor plants increase morale in the workplace and homes. The plant is such a miraculous living thing.

Real life office studies have been conducted to measure the direct relationship between clinical health, complaints and plant installations. Recorded health improvements in offices where interior plants were added were significant. Results show a large reduction among employees in the areas of fatigue, headache, coughs and their overall well-being rose dramatically.

Further, numerous studies have shown that plants have a positive psychological impact on people. According to a recent study, employees exposed to interior plant settings demonstrated better attitudes, positive emotions such as happiness, friendliness and assertiveness.

You Can Play A Role In This Effort!

Interiorscapers — It’s as easy as setting up a table in the lobby of a major building that you already service. Give away small plants along with information about the plant and how it helps clean the air. When people take their free plant back to their office it starts all kinds of excitement…where did you get that? Soon you will find others flocking to your table to find out about why you are there and to learn about the importance of interior plants.

Greenhouses — Use available literature to educate all of your clients on how GREAT indoor plants are for our health. You can mention on your marquee about coming in to get some indoor plants for your home and help us Celebrate National Indoor Plant Week!! Have a display with the top 10 plants that removed volatile chemicals from the air, along with a small gift plant — truly the ideas are endless!

Florists — Just think, literature attached to every order that goes out the door!!

…We’re Celebrating National Indoor Plant Week….Remember a friend with an indoor plant, a living air cleaner.”

These are just a few examples of ways to really sell more plants and join the national effort to increase awareness of the value of indoor plants.

The WELL Summit

September 25-26, 2023

The WELL Summit 2023 will convene WELL champions and the next wave of leaders committed to transforming health and well-being in buildings, communities and organizations around the world.

Join experts as they discuss topics core to the WELL movement, including how to make the business case for investing in health, advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across your organization and anchoring health within your ESG strategy.

Sign up and stay up-to-date on programming.

GPGB at BOMA

Attracting and Retraining Tenants with Biophilic Design
Jan Goodman, GPGB Board President and Owner and President of Cityscapes Inc. along with Erica Weeks’, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability with Hastings Architecture, LLC, presented on Attracting and Retraining Tenants with Biophilic Design on behalf of Green Plants for Green Buildings at BOMA 2023.

New GPGB Support Levels and Features

A GPGB Board Member will be reaching out to you to discuss your options.
 CLICK HERE to renew and/or “LEVEL-UP TODAY!

Supporter Testimonial

Marketing & Communications Committee Members Wanted

GPGB depends on the work of volunteers to carry out our strategic initiatives and fulfill our mission. Serving on a committee is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for personal and professional growth. If you can make a minimum two-year commitment, the industry needs people like YOU! We are actively looking for committee members who are passionate about biophilia.
Committees include:
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Supporter Development
  • Education & Professional Development
All are driven by our Strategic Plan. Interested in a committee?
Please email admin@gpgb.org to request a committee nomination form.

Thank You to Our Supporters!

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.

Biophilic Gallery

Opiary is a Biophilic design studio that combines nature and modern design in expressive and meaningful ways. Opiary creates unique furniture, wallscapes, planters and custom art pieces that add life to any interior or exterior space. They incorporate natural elements into every piece created, bringing live greenery and organic shapes into their handcrafted work.

Photo: 1ST DIBS at www.opiary.com

Look at these amazing planters that are made in America!
NewPro Containers is proud to manufacture and distribute several plant container lines that are made in the USA. From custom fabricated aluminum metal planters, to injection molded and hot stamped plastic flower pots, they do it all. We can’t get enough of these gorgeous Walton Wall Sconce Planters.

CLIENT: The Control Group Media Company
LOCATION: San Diego, CA
PRODUCT: Walton Wall Sconce Planters, NewPro Containers

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.