Why and how to promote greenery inside buildings

Research increasingly shows the positive impact of greenery inside buildings (i.e. potted plants, green walls, etc.), including: improved IAQ, stress reduction effects, benefits on users' attention capacity in office settings, and so on. Despite this evidence, the use of natural elements in common building practice is still not quite widespread. In this context, the aim of this paper is double. On the one hand, to define the state of the art about the numerous benefits on environments and occupants so as to point out why it is important to include the greenery in the building design; on the other hand, to identify ways to encourage designers to use the greenery systems. Results confirm the positive impact of greenery on comfort and IAQ as well as on psychological well-being and performances. At the same time, a lack in promotion tools (design guide, financial incentives) was found, therefore a better action is hoped both from the research area and professional and regulatory fields.