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Urbanization and industrialization are exponentially deteriorating air quality, ecosystems, and human health. Phytoremediation is cost cost-effective, sustainable, and nature-based solution against air pollution. This study is designed to evaluate four species, Chlorophytum comosum, Rhapis excelsa, Spathiphyllum wallisii, and Ficus benjamina for their phytoremediation potential. The experimental setup consisted of a sealed chamber to place potted plants and equipment, it was also connected to the vehicular exhaust pipe. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index was highest for F. benjamina (12.19) and lowest for Rhapis excels (8.58). C. comosum has the highest VOC removal efficiency (90%, 0.172 ppm h−1). NOx remediation was highest by F. benjamina with 0.057 ppm h−1 (77%) removal efficiency. SOx and CO were remediated more efficiently by C. comosum, as 89%, (0.18 ppm h−1) and 80% (0.23 ppm h−1), respectively. R. excelsa reduced a higher concentration of NH3 (77%, 0.06 ppm h−1) compared to other species. R. excelsa and S. wallisii may serve as bio-indicator species. These findings provide a sustainable, natural, economical, and eco-friendly way to mitigate air pollution. F. benjamina and C. comosum are suitable species for urban landscapes, green spaces, urban plantations, and green walls to curb air pollutants due to traffic and industries. NOVELTY STATEMENT: Based on the air pollution tolerance index, this study concludes that Rhapis excels (APTI = 8.58) can be used as a bio-indicator species for pollution monitoring and evaluation. Whereas, Ficus benjamina (APTI = 12.2) and Chlorophytum comosum (APTI = 10.3) are the best options for urban landscapes, green belts, or green walls for air pollution combat and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vultures are currently among the most endangered species in the world. Their populations have significantly declined during the last decades. In West Africa, threats mainly include persecution for belief-based use (e.g., traditional medicine and succeeding in business), accidents, and degradation of natural habitats. In Senegal, knowledge of vulture populations is lacking; hence, we were interested in studying them as part of the Great Green Wall (GGW) project (officially known as the Grande Muraille Verte project). Initiated in 2009 by African heads of state, the GGW project involves reforestation designed to restore ecosystems in the Sahel that have been degraded by climate change and harmful human activity. It also helps to combat poverty among local populations by developing the natural potential of their environment. Over a 3-yr period, we searched for occupied nests, communal roost sites and frequent perches, and other signs of vulture presence within a 16-km radius of Koyli Alpha, a village situated within the GGW extension project area in northern Senegal. We documented 19 occupied vulture nests within this study area, 10 belonging to Rüppell's Vultures (Gyps rueppelli), 7 belonging to White-backed Vultures (Gyps africanus), 1 belonging to Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus), and 1 belonging to Lappet-faced Vultures (Torgos tracheliotos). Vultures nested primarily in Acacia raddiana and baobob (Adansonia digitata). Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus), Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus), and White-headed Vultures (Trigonoceps occipitalis) also were observed roosting and foraging in the area. The main threats to vultures in the study area are habitat fragmentation, destruction of natural habitats by anthropogenic activities, and poaching to obtain vulture parts for traditional practices for belief-based use. Our results concerning vulture species diversity and ecology reinforce the idea that the Koyli Alpha area should be designated as an Important Bird Area or a key biodiversity area. Strict application of the laws governing these protected areas would ensure better protection for these highly endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban squares in historic neighborhoods are vital public spaces, often the only nearby option available for an aging population. However, these spaces face increasing thermal discomfort exacerbated by urban heat island (UHI) effects. This research focuses on improving thermal comfort for two case studies located in Seville's high-density and historically rich Casco Antiguo neighborhood. Although their significance and social value make them central meeting points for locals and visitors, these squares face major challenges regarding thermal comfort, mainly due to a lack of greenery or adequate shading. This study examines the conditions by conducting in-person monitoring and simulations, identifying factors contributing to discomfort. On the basis of this, the research proposes mitigation strategies to address these issues. These solutions include the installation of green walls, the addition of canopies, and the application of specific surface materials to improve the conditions of these squares. Canopies provided the most significant cooling, reducing universal thermal climate index (UTCI) values by up to 6.5 °C. Green walls delivered localized cooling, lowering the mean radiant temperature (MRT) by up to 5 °C. The results reveal how these approaches can bring about changes in thermal comfort in a way that benefits historic city environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing vegetation is an effective strategy for improving air quality and mitigating the heat island effect. Green modules, which consist of modules that support substrates and various plant species, integrate these elements. This study analyzes the acoustic absorption properties of a specific green wall module using an impedance gun and the Scan and Paint method for laboratory and on-site measurements. The impedance gun method is effective for in situ analysis, offering advantages over standardized techniques for inhomogeneous samples. The sound absorption coefficient of the substrate and the effects of different plant species were measured. Key findings reveal that the substrate primarily influences sound absorption, with its coefficient increasing with frequency, similar to porous materials. Vegetation enhances the acoustic absorption of the substrate, depending on coverage and thickness, with 80–90% of absorption attributed to the substrate and 4–20% to vegetation. However, not all dense plant species improve absorption; some configurations may decrease it. Improvement correlates with substrate coverage and vegetation layer thickness, while the impact of plant morphology remains unclear. These findings confirm vegetation's potential as an acoustic absorption tool in urban settings. Additionally, green walls can enhance acoustic comfort in indoor environments such as offices and schools by reducing reverberation. They also improve air quality and provide aesthetic appeal, making them a multifunctional solution for modern architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical Greenery Systems, also known as Green Walls have emerged as essential components of Green Infrastructure, offering promising outcomes for both the present and the distant future. This study aimed to establish correlations between orientation and the thermal performance of green walls. The research was conducted in a controlled climatic environment, featuring a bare wall as the control experiment and green walls with four different plant species, including Xiphidium caeruleum, Asparagus aethiopicus, Ophiopogon japonicas, and Dianella ensifolia variegate. The growth medium consisted of a consistent 1:1:1 ratio of coir dust, sand, and compost for all plant species. Data collection, which spanned from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., included parameters: surface temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed for the green wall's exterior and interior. The results of the study demonstrated that east-oriented green walls, particularly those featuring Asparagus aethiopicus, achieved significant influence on building energy conservation, with a maximum temperature reduction of 4.1 °C in both interior and exterior surface temperatures compared to the bare wall. The findings highlight the potential of optimally oriented green walls to reduce cooling energy consumption in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in performance and health concerns presents a complex challenge to workplace well-being. While existing research highlights the positive impact of exposure to nature on well-being, there is a gap in supporting biophilic building designs in workplaces. This study addresses this issue by introducing a Type-1 Interval Fuzzy Set (IFS) framework to assess workplace health, and recommends Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for enhancement. The proposed framework comprises two fuzzy subsystems targeting environmental comfort and occupational health that are integrated into a third subsystem to provide tailored NbS recommendations. A case study conducted in a coworking space validated the framework's practical application, revealing significant improvements in environmental and occupational conditions. Key findings include a reduction in absenteeism, enhancement in employee satisfaction, and creation of more comfortable and restorative environments. Recommendations, such as green walls, indoor gardens, and natural light filters, have been shown to effectively mitigate discomfort and promote well-being. The framework demonstrated flexibility in managing uncertainties, optimizing resource allocation, and providing targeted interventions for workplace conditions. These results highlight the framework's potential as a robust decision-support tool for improving workplace health and well-being through systematic and evidence-based strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various studies have confirmed the implications of Vertical Greening System (VGS) as a nature-based solution to climate change mitigation. Even though VGSs are well established in operational terms, the design framework is still poor at managing social, economic, and environmental performance. This study through comprehensive review of studies and interview in related companies aims to improve the design process of VGS to standardise built operations, with the goal of increasing sustainability and efficiency. This study reviewed the VGS design process across various countries, addressed the main gaps, and proposed a Vertical Greening Integrated System (VGIS) approach. The main gaps identified are a lack of a specific goal for VGS design, an overlooked pre-design phase to consider all socio-economic and environmental factors, and a monitoring phase to control VGS performance. The non-academic sector, such as VGS producers, overlooks the crucial role of users and their enhancement of awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Unusual coloration in a population of Podarcis virescens Geniez et al. 2014, in Extremadura, Spain" describes the Green Wall Lizard Podarcis virescens in Spain. It is mentioned that the lizard is found in various regions of Spain and exhibits a variety of color variations. A special specimen with a bluish-green back and turquoise throat was observed in Badajoz. The coloration of this individual was unusual compared to other lizards. It is noted that this is the first report of this specific coloration in P. virescens. [Extracted from the article]

The Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative, which started in 2007 and is still in development as of 2024, aims to combat desertification and enhance sustainability over 8000 km across Africa's Sahel-Sahara region, encompassing 11 key countries and 7 countries associated with the initiative. Because of limited ground measurements for the GGW project, the progress and impacts of the GGW initiative have been a challenging problem to monitor and assess. This study aims to utilize satellite remote sensing data to analyze changes in the key factors related to the sustainability of the GGW region, including land cover type, vegetation index, precipitation rate, land surface temperature (LST), surface soil moisture, etc. Results from temporal analysis of these factors indicate that the deserts along the GGW are retreating and the regional mean of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has an increasing trend, although the precipitation has a slightly decreasing trend, over the past two decades. Further analysis shows spatial heterogeneity of vegetation, precipitation, and soil moisture changes. Desertification is still a challenging issue in some GGW countries. These results are helpful in understanding climate change in the GGW regions and the impacts of the Great Green Wall initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical greenery or green walls are spreading rapidly not only in Southeast Asia but also in colder regions such as Western and Central Europe. The simultaneous growth and densification of larger cities has accelerated this trend recently as these cities require increased green space to improve living quality. A significant issue directly affecting security aspects regarding building components covered with different kinds of plants is their fire behaviour. A major parameter expected to influence this behaviour is the moisture content of the plants and their ability to retain moisture in case of irrigation interruption. In this study, four different plant species were chosen due to their hardiness which favours their usage as vertical greenery under the climatic conditions of Central Europe. Bomb and cone calorimetric investigations and single-flame source tests were carried out on them. These tests have been executed at different plant moisture contents as the fire behaviour of plants is obviously influenced by their moisture content. The results quantify the remarkable individuality of the plants with respect to their reaction to fire exposure in both moist and dry conditions. The findings can be extrapolated to quantify the overall fire behaviour of a green façade, especially the accruing heat content. Additionally, an optimized position of different plants within the façade can be derived to reduce the flame propagation probability upward of the façade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes sonic crystal green walls based on combined cylinder scatterers and vegetation. It has been known that the vegetation or greenery system is effective in dealing with environmental pollutants, while the cylinder scatterer arranged periodically, also known as a sonic crystal, is preferable owing to the capability of noise attenuation, light transmission, and air circulation simultaneously. Combining both components into a single noise abatement system is expected to provide acoustical and non-acoustical features for urban design, where such an approach maximizes the merit of each component. Moreover, the system is useful for advocating sustainability amid global warming issues. In this work, a numerical model is developed using finite element method (FEM), while experimental results are provided to validate the absorption and attenuation results. It is found that the sonic crystal can attain an attenuation of 13.5 dB around 1.6 kHz. Such a promising result is extended further to lower frequency under a specific configuration of scatterers corresponding to lattice distance and filling faction ratio parameters. Meanwhile, the vegetation can enhance overall attenuation at higher frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Urban villages in Guangzhou are high-density communities with challenging outdoor thermal environments, which significantly impact residents' thermal comfort. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the quality of life and mitigating heat stress in such environments. (2) Methods: This study utilized a validated ENVI-met microclimate model to explore the synergistic cooling effects of roof greening and facade greening. Three greening types—total greening, facade greening, and roof greening—were analyzed for their impacts on air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) at a pedestrian height of 1.5 m under varying green coverage scenarios. (3) Results: The findings showed that total greening exhibited the greatest cooling potential, especially under high coverage (≥50%), reducing PET by approximately 2.5 °C, from 53.5 °C to 51.0 °C, during midday, and shifting the heat stress level from "extreme heat stress" to "strong heat stress". Facade greening reduced PET by about 1.5 °C, while roof greening had a limited effect, reducing PET by 1.0 °C. Furthermore, under coverage exceeding 75%, total greening achieved maximum reductions of 3.0 °C in mean radiant temperature and 1.2 °C in air temperature. (4) Conclusions: This study provides scientific evidence supporting total greening as the most effective strategy for mitigating heat stress and improving thermal comfort in high-density urban villages, offering practical insights for optimizing green infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architectural vertical green walls can mitigate the urban heat island effect, provide shade and cooling, reduce energy consumption, improve a microclimate, and increase indoor comfort. However, an excessive pursuit of high coverage may diminish the benefit ratio and adversely affect ventilation and lighting. Field measurements were conducted in the hot and humid Guangzhou area to investigate the thermal benefits of external vertical green walls with varying green coverage and diverse layouts, encompassing effects such as shading, insulation, cooling, and humidification. Analyses were conducted using ENVI-met, orthogonal experiments, and SPSS to quantify the moderating effects of planted green coverage (PGC), leaf area density (LAD), and air interstitial layers on the environmental thermal benefits. The results indicated that the cooling and humidifying effects of 100% PGC and 75% PGC were comparable and superior to those of 50% PGC, yet 75% PGC outperformed 100% PGC in terms of indoor humidification. Among the layout modes, the horizontal layout was the most effective for cooling and humidification, followed by the point layout, with the vertical layout being the least effective. A global sensitivity analysis revealed that PGC had the greatest impact on wall cooling and outdoor humidification, LAD significantly influenced humidification, the width of air interstitial layers had a minor impact, and the two architectural vertical greening design ratios of 75% PGC × 4.60 LAD and 75% PGC × 2.70 LAD were particularly effective for cooling and humidification. Incorporating horizontal or point-like layouts can enhance façade design diversity while preserving the desired environmental thermal benefits, thereby contributing to the overall aesthetics of a building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Actions for ecological restoration under the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative in the northern Sahel have been plant focused, paying scant attention to plant–animal interactions that are essential to ecosystem functioning. Calls to accelerate implementation of the GGW make it timely to develop a more solid conceptual foundation for restoration actions. As a step towards this goal, we review what is known in this region about an important class of plant–animal interactions, those between plants and flower‐visiting insects. Essential for pollination, floral resources also support insects that play important roles in many other ecosystem processes. Extensive pastoralism is the principal subsistence mode in the region, and while recent analyses downplay the impact of livestock on vegetation dynamics compared to climatic factors, they focus primarily on rangeland productivity, neglecting biodiversity, which is critical for long‐term sustainability. We summarise current knowledge on insect–flower interactions, identify information gaps, and suggest research priorities. Most insect‐pollinated plants in the region have open‐access flowers exploitable by diverse insects, an advantageous strategy in environments with low productivity and seasonal and highly variable rainfall. Other plant species have diverse traits that constrain the range of visitors, and several distinct flower types are represented, some of which have been postulated to match classical “pollination syndromes”. As in most ecosystems, bees are among the most important pollinators. The bee fauna is dominated by ground‐nesting solitary bees, almost all of which are polylectic. Many non‐bee flower visitors also perform various ecosystem services such as decomposition and pest control. Many floral visitors occupy high trophic levels, and are indicators of continued functioning of the food webs on which they depend. The resilience of insect–flower networks in this region largely depends on trees, which flower year‐round and are less affected by drought than forbs. However, the limited number of abundant tree species presents a potential fragility. Flowering failure of a crucial “hub” species during exceptionally dry years could jeopardise populations of some flower‐visiting insects. Furthermore, across Sahelian drylands, browsers are increasingly predominant over grazers. Although better suited to changing climates, browsers exert more pressure on trees, potentially weakening insect–flower interaction networks. Understanding the separate and combined effects of climate change and land‐use change on biotic interactions will be key to building a solid foundation to facilitate effective restoration of Sahelian ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Office employees often face discomfort due to dry air, impacting their productivity. Existing solutions like standalone humidifiers or HVAC-integrated systems are either inefficient or costly. Thus, maintaining optimal air humidity remains a challenge. Green walls offer a potential solution by influencing humidity and air quality. A survey was conducted in five Warsaw office buildings involving 85 participants to investigate this issue. Measurements were taken in three stages: without humidifiers, with standalone humidifiers, and with green walls. The results showed a high acceptance of humidification systems, with green walls being perceived as the most effective in neutralizing air humidity perception. The air quality was rated highest with both humidifiers and green walls. Notably, well-being indicators significantly improved with humidifiers, particularly with the presence of green walls. This study underscores the potential of green walls in improving indoor environmental conditions and occupants' well-being, offering a promising avenue for enhancing office comfort and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out to evaluate various combinations of potting media and ornamental plants for outdoor vertical gardening as, these days to use vertical space is trending with increasing urbanization. This study will help to workout best potting media ratio for them. We will conclude to highlight a best combination of potting media, among, T1: Soil + Farm Yard Manure + Cocopeat (50:25:25), T2: Soil + Farm Yard Manure + Cocopeat (25:50:25), T3: Soil + Farm Yard Manure + Cocopeat (25:25:50), T4: Soil + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (25:50:25), and T5 (Control): Soil + Farm Yard Manure (50:50) and best plant species among Syngonium podophyllum, Dracaena compacta (Red), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Dracaena reflexa, and Pedilanthus tithymaloides. Each treatment contained 15 plants replicated thrice under the Completely Randomized Block Design. The potting media ratio combination in T4: Soil + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (25:50:25) proved to be the best for improvement of vegetative parameters and for the attractive foliage of the selected ornamental plants, having more ratio of vermicompost thus capable of providing good amount of all beneficial benefits with more moisture retention capacity and nutrients value than other combination of media used. The minimum value of all the observations recorded was found to be in T5 (Control): Soil + Farm Yard Manure (50:50). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the response of two types of ornamental herbaceous plants (Wedelia trilobata and Jacobaea maritima 'Cirrus') to different agricultural environments and the application of potassium silicates to the living walls system LWS (Felt layer system) under the climate conditions of Baghdad city. Each experiment involved the cultivation of a different plant species, and the study duration was from September 15, 2021, to August 1, 2022. A Strip-Plot Design experiment was conducted using two factors: factor M with four levels of substrates (50% peatmoss and perlite (M1), 50% Vermicompost and perlite (M2), 50% Water hyacinth compost and perlite (M3), 50% wheat straw compost and perlite (M4)) and factor S with three levels of foliar spray of potassium silicate (0, 1.5, and 3 ml Lֿ-1) S1, S2 and S3 respectively. The results differed according to the different substrates, and the study indicators were superior using potassium silicate concentrations compared to the comparison treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One possible solution that mitigates the effects of climate change is the implementation of vertical greenery systems, which have the potential to reduce the need for cooling and provide energy savings for heating. This paper evaluates the effects of an innovative modular green wall on indoor temperature and energy use in a residential case study building. This research was carried out on a residential house in the city of Ghent, Belgium, whose southwest facade is covered with a specific type of modular green wall (a structure with a specific substrate and plants that have the ability to purify water so that it can be reused in the house). The monitoring process included four different temperatures (in front of and behind the green wall, in the substrate, and on the wall without greenery) during winter and summer periods. To analyze the effect on the internal temperature and energy use, a DesignBuilder simulation model was built and validated against these experimental results. This green wall has proven to have the greatest effect during the hottest summer days by reducing the indoor temperature by up to 3.5 °C. It also effectively increases the indoor temperature by up to 1.4 °C on a cold winter day, leading to energy savings of 6% on an annual basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Amidst escalating global temperatures, increasing climate change, and rapid urbanization, addressing urban heat islands and improving outdoor thermal comfort is paramount for sustainable urban development. Green walls offer a promising strategy by effectively lowering ambient air temperatures in urban environments. While previous studies have explored their impact in various climates, their effectiveness in humid climates remains underexplored. Methods: This research investigates the cooling effect of a green wall during summer in a humid climate, employing two approaches: Field Measurement-Based Analysis (SC 1: FMA) and Deep Learning Model (SC 2: DLM). In SC 1: FMA, experiments utilized data loggers at varying distances from the green wall to capture real-time conditions. SC 2: DLM utilized a deep learning model to predict the green wall's performance over time. Results: Results indicate a significant reduction in air temperature, with a 1.5°C (6%) decrease compared to real-time conditions. Long-term analysis identified specific distances (A, B, C, and D) contributing to temperature reductions ranging from 1.5°C to 2.5°C, highlighting optimal distances for green wall efficacy. Discussion: This study contributes novel insights by determining effective distances for green wall systems to mitigate ambient temperatures, addressing a critical gap in current literature. The integration of a deep learning model enhances analytical precision and forecasts future outcomes. Despite limitations related to a single case study and limited timeframe, this research offers practical benefits in urban heat island mitigation, enhancing outdoor comfort, and fostering sustainable and climate-resilient urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When first announced, many of the post-2002 Dead Sea Scrolls-like fragments were depicted as experienced travelers having moved over long distances. Some of Martin Schøyen's fragments had allegedly been to Bethlehem, Lebanon, and Zurich before they eventually came to Norway. According to Weston W. Fields, the so-called Butterfly fragment—William Kando's fabled Genesis scroll—was first sent to Germany before it "made its way to the vault [in Switzerland]" in 1965 or 1966. Other fragments had traveled from Bethlehem to Beirut, from Beirut to Cyprus, and from Cyprus to Zurich, but no one seemed to know exactly how. In most cases the fragments "appeared," "found/made their way," "turned up," "saw the light," or "surfaced" in the fulness of time. More recently, the Israel Antiquities Authority's (IAA) sensational (and unprovenanced) "Ishmael Papyrus" was even said to have "come to the awareness of epigraphists" 50 years after an unnamed Montana woman hung it on the wall in her living room. The fragment's last trip from Montana to the IAA's Dead Sea Scrolls lab managed to transform the living room decoration into a Dead Sea Scroll fragment of great scientific interest. In this article, I analyze some of these itineraries—the routes between the ideal starting point (Khirbet Qumran or, more specifically, Qumran Cave 4) and the ideal laundering point (Zurich, a Swiss vault, the IAA's Dead Sea Scrolls lab)—and discuss their function. My main interest is to show how stories of long-distance mobility transform the status of fake and unprovenanced fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many large cities today, spaces of extreme wealth and poverty often exist in proximity. City officials, private developers and wealthy residents often 'correct' this cheek-by-jowl situation of proximate yet drastically unequal communities by building physical walls and fences between them. What is the interface between spaces inside and outside the walls built around low-income communities in elite neighbourhoods? How do people living inside the walls built to contain their communities engage with this infrastructure of control? This article addresses these questions by presenting the politics of socio-spatial separation of a low-income and informally built walled community called France Colony in a wealthy neighbourhood in Islamabad (Pakistan). It shows how the wall around France Colony is not only an ineffective sealing device; its porosity has also ironically prompted adjacent wealthy residents to retreat inside their large homes and raise their boundary walls. Not only do walls make obvious the intentions and anxieties of people on the outside trying to control the presence and growth of a low-income community, but spatial practices and negotiations around involuntarily built enclosures can minimise their restrictive intent and provide opportunities for enclosed communities to demand their rights to space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, urban spaces have undergone a remarkable transformation with the rise of vertical gardens. These innovative installations represent a fusion of sustainability, aesthetics and functionality, reshaping the concrete jungles into vibrant green landscapes. At their core, vertical gardens encapsulate the essence of abstraction, reimagining traditional notions of gardening and urban design. No longer confined to horizontal planes, plants ascend skyward, adorning buildings, walls and structures with living tapestries of foliage. This abstraction of nature into vertical spaces not only enhances the visual appeal of urban environments but also introduces numerous environmental benefits. Vertical gardens mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality and provide habitats for biodiversity amidst the concrete sprawl. Moreover, they serve as living showcases of ecological balance, demonstrating the harmonious coexistence of nature and modernity. As cities continue to expand vertically, the rise of vertical gardens represents a promising trend, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges of urbanization while revitalizing the very essence of urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the environmental impacts of a living wall (LW) system cannot leave out the effects on the buildings' sustainability during its life cycle. Consequently, to consider the embodied impacts of all the components, an LCA of the whole system is recommended. Therefore, this paper was targeted to evaluate the environmental performances of four LW solutions considering a combination of energy performances and system LCA. In the first step, the yearly energy consumption of a reference building equipped with LWs was determined through simulations carried out in the EnergyPlus environment. Subsequently, the LCA completed the evaluation of the environmental impact of the different building configurations. To quantify the effects related to the implementation of LWs, the results were compared to those obtained for the reference building without vegetation. The analyses refer to a real university's four-floor housing located in the city of Reggio Calabria (38°07′21.4″ N 15°39′45.2″ E), which is currently under construction. The results confirm the benefits achievable through the LW integration, measuring both energy savings and the increase in the hours with indoor temperature within the well-being zone. At an annual level, the best LW solution produces 24% of energy saving and LCA highlights a limitation of 2.1 × 105 kg of CO2eq when compared to the reference case. These data confirm the effectiveness of implementing LWs as a reliable intervention to enhance building environmental impact, especially for edifices requiring renovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green roofs and walls play an important role in promoting biodiversity, reducing the urban heat island effect and providing ecosystem services in urban areas. However, the conditions on green walls/roofs (low nutrient and organic matter content, drought, high temperatures) are often unfavorable for plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve the growth and development of plants under stress conditions as they can increase nutrient and water uptake. In a 6-month pot experiment, we investigated the effect of AMF inoculation on the growth and NPK uptake of Festuca ovina L. and Trifolium medium L., which are used for green roofs and walls. Two variants of mycorrhizal inoculation were used in the experiment: a commercial mycorrhizal inoculant AM Symbivit (Symbiom Ltd., Lanskroun, Czech Republic) and a mycorrhizal inoculant collected from calcareous grassland in the Silesia region (Poland). Funneliformis mosseae was the most abundant species in the roots of F. ovina and T. medium with IM inoculum. In the CM variant, a dominance of F. mosseae was observed in the roots of F. ovina. In contrast, Archaeosporaceae sp. node 317 dominated in the roots of T. medium. Both inoculations had a positive effect on the increase in dry weight of the shoots of T. medium, but only the commercial inoculum had a positive effect on the growth of F. ovina. Both inoculations improved the P uptake by the roots and the P and K uptake into the shoots of T. medium. In addition, both inoculations improved the K uptake by the roots of F. ovina and the N, P and K uptake into the shoots. In conclusion, both AMF communities included in the inoculations had a positive effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake, but the effect depends on the plant and the mycorrhizal fungus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article considers technologies for ensuring comfortable indoor conditions during hot weather and reducing the negative impact of heat waves on human health. It is established that the most common technologies for ensuring comfortable conditions require the use of modern high-tech equipment, significant material resources for the purchase and installation of equipment, and ensuring its operation. It is proposed to use vertical landscaping with vine-like plants to reduce the intake of excess heat in hot weather, which in the warm season can cover the walls with a dense layer of foliage and protect them from solar radiation. The exterior envelope of the buildings, which are oriented to the south, east, and west, is to be decorated. The object of research is a red ceramic brick building located in Kharkiv, part of the walls of which are densely covered with the deciduous vine Campsis. Experimental studies of the temperature of the outer surface of walls of different orientations, with and without vertical landscaping, were conducted on cloudless hot days in July-August 2023. The algorithm has been developed for calculating the reduction of excess heat in a room during hot weather as a result of the use of vertical landscaping. To determine the temperature of the outer side of the wall, the equation of energy conservation in the form of a heat balance under the conditions of a quasi-stationary process was applied. Comparison of the results of experimental studies and calculations confirms the possibility of using this calculation algorithm. The effectiveness of the use of vertical greening is confirmed on the example of the selected research object. Excessive heat entering a room in a house through a 15 m² wall facing south during a 7-day "heat wave" under the climatic conditions of Kharkiv decreased by 19.7 kWh, or 2.5 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid urbanization and population growth exert a substantial impact on the accessibility of drinking water resources, underscoring the imperative for wastewater treatment and the reuse of non-potable water in agriculture. In this context, green walls emerge as a potential solution to augment the purification of unconventional waters, simultaneously contributing to the aesthetic appeal and enjoyment of urban areas. This study aims to optimize water management in green walls by investigating the impact of bacterial strains on the biochemical properties and performance of the ornamental accumulator plant, Aptenia cordifolia, grown with various unconventional water sources. The experiments were designed as split plots based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. The main factor was recycled water with three levels (gray water, wastewater from the Kashfroud region of Mashhad, and urban water (control)). The sub-factor included different bacterial strains at four levels, composed of various bacteria combinations, (B1: Psedoumonas flucrecens + Azosporillum liposferum + Thiobacillus thioparus + Aztobactor chorococcum, B2: Paenibacillus polymyxa + Pseudomonas fildensis + Bacillus subtilis + Achromobacter xylosoxidans + Bacillus licheniform, B3: Pseudomonas putida + Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans + Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus methylotrophicus + Mcrobacterium testaceum, and the control level without bacterial application (B0). Result: The findings revealed significant differences at the 5% probability level across all morphophysiological traits, including plant height, the number and length of lateral branches, growth index, and plant coverage. Moreover, superior morphophysiological traits were observed in plants cultivated in substrates inoculated with wastewater irrigation. Substrates inoculated with bacteria exhibited the highest relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll levels, coupled with the lowest relative saturation deficit (RSD), electrolyte leakage (EL), and carotenoid levels. Furthermore, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), from a biochemical perspective, were associated with increased carbohydrates, total protein, and anthocyanin. They also contributed to controlling oxidative stress caused by free radicals by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), while reducing catalase enzyme (CAT) activity. This led to increased resistance to stress, as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and proline levels. The study concludes that the MIX B3, being both ecofriendly and economical, represents an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of wastewater on plants. Conclusion: This study showed that plant irrigation using wastewater increases the levels of proline, phenols and oxidative stress. However, the application of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) reduced oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing proline and phenol levels. These findings show the potential of bacterial treatments to improve plant growth and reduce adverse effects of recycled water irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was focused on a specific blue‒green pigment applied on the edges of the green blocks of wall paintings in the Kizil Grottoes, the earliest Buddhist cave complex in China containing many wall paintings. Based on in situ portable XRF analyses, μ-Raman spectroscope, elemental analysis (SEM–EDS and EPMA-WDS) and μ-XRPD analyses, the pigment was proven to be lavendulan [NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl·5H2O], which has not been reported in ancient wall painting studies before. Lavendulan was found to coexist with atacamite [Cu2(OH)3Cl] in some of the samples in the study and showed a nanoneedle-like morphology. Further investigations of lavendulan revealed that it was probably not originally used as a pigment but was generated by the transformation of atacamite under the influence of arsenates [As(V)] and Na+. This phenomenon and the related mechanism were discovered in this study and are discussed in this paper. As an important cultural heritage site in the Silk Road, the Route Network of the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor and the Kizil Grottoes are listed as UNESCO World and Natural Heritage sites. The pigment types and preservation conditions of wall paintings are similar to those of many wall paintings found along the Silk Road, and further attention should be given to this discolouration mechanism for heritage site conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Living Wall (LW) garden system has been employed as a post-treatment system to improve the effluent quality of septic tanks. This improvement primarily involves reducing nutrient levels, as well as facilitating the removal of organic matter and solids in accordance with effluent discharge guidelines. The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment performance of the LW system connected to a septic tank, along with an examination of the microbial communities within the LW units. A laboratory-scale LW system, comprising LW1, LW2, and LW3 units, was employed. The system was fed with effluent obtained from septic tanks and varied by theoretical hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 12, and 24 h. The TCOD, SCOD, TSS, TVS, TKN, and TP removal efficiencies of the LWs were achieved at 62 ± 24, 42 ± 19, 72 ± 21, 66 ± 15, 80 ± 15, and 58 ± 21%, respectively. To classify microbial communities in the soil and gravels collected from each LW unit, the Illumina MiSeq System Sequencer was employed. Nitrospirota was consistently found in all LW units, aiding in the conversion of nitrogen. Fusobacteriota were detected in specific layers of the LW units, indicating varying oxygen levels in the LW system. Highlights: • Living Walls (LWs) effectively eliminate organics, nutrients, and solids to meet the national discharge standard. • Expanding LW units improves nitrogen removal, and microbial communities are crucial for nitrogen removal in LW units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new type of recycled polyurethane material is used as a new type of wall insulation material, and the new building insulation wall made of this paper has high efficiency thermal insulation and energy-saving characteristics and also has certain environmental significance. The thermal conductivity of the new building cold insulation recycled polyurethane material is 0.023 W/(m·K), and the thermal conductivity of the new building insulation wall prepared is 0.297 W/(m·K). Compared with traditional double-sided plastered porous wall tiles, it can save 85.4% of energy consumption per square meter, with higher thermal insulation characteristics and economic benefits. The preparation of a new type of building insulation wall proposed in this paper provides a new and green way for wall insulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in energy-efficient building strategies, driven by the intensifying energy crisis, has encouraged the development of the passive house (PH) approach. However, existing research highlights a potential downside, the perception of the overheating risk in hot periods, particularly when design and construction methods fail to incorporate adequate mitigation strategies. This study examines the pressing necessity of addressing overheating risks in PHs through a systematic review. The aim is to identify key factors reported as contributing to overheating, to evaluate recommended solutions across diverse global regions, and to identify methods to reduce the risk. This review indicates that PHs are considered at risk of overheating in the hot periods of the year across many climatic regions, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Architectural features, climate conditions, inhabitants' behaviors, and perceptions of the quality of indoor spaces are important factors affecting PH overheating and should be considered at the design stage. It is concluded that the urban context, building envelope characteristics, and their impacts require greater attention. Based on the knowledge gaps identified, green walls are proposed as a nature-based solution with good potential for mitigating overheating in PHs. More integrated consideration of all factors and solutions can minimize current and future risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a critical issue impacting urban environments, leading to severe health problems and environmental degradation. This comprehensive review examines the potential of green systems—specifically green walls, active green walls, and urban greenery systems—to mitigate atmospheric pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide (CO2). By systematically analyzing 44 recent studies, this review highlights the pollutant capture efficiency of various green technologies and plant species in both indoor and outdoor settings. Active green walls, particularly those utilizing plant species such as Chlorophytum comosum and Sansevieria trifasciata, were found to be highly effective, with VOC reduction efficiencies of up to 96.34%, PM reductions of 65.42%, and CO2 reduction rates reaching 4.8% under optimal conditions. This review identifies key strengths in current research, including diverse experimental setups and the use of sophisticated measurement techniques, but also notes significant limitations such as variability in experimental conditions and a lack of long-term performance data. This study underscores the importance of proper maintenance to sustain green systems' efficacy and highlights the potential issue of pollutant resuspension, which remains under-researched. Practical implications for urban planning are discussed, advocating for the integration of effective green systems into urban infrastructure to enhance air quality and public health. Recommendations for future research include the need for standardized metrics, long-term studies, economic feasibility analyses, and real-world validation of simulation models to better understand and optimize green systems for urban air pollution mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to analyze the effects of vertical nature on thermal comfort, within the Centro Lima commercial building, located in the district of Lima, using the Kestrel 5500 mini weather station and temperature and humidity recorders, with the purpose of proposing vertical nature (vertical gardens) inside commercial buildings of Metropolitan Lima. For which a pilot design was used, reaching the following conclusions: the environmental conditions of thermal comfort within the commercial building under investigation do not comply with the minimum safety and health provisions in workplaces, since they exceed the temperature levels and there is low humidity with low wind speed. The installed vertical nature favorably affects thermal comfort within the commercial building, regulating the basic parameters and placing them within the minimum health and safety regulations in workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, green walls have come to the attention of researchers from several fields, as a result of the concerted effort to find viable solutions to stop/mitigate urban pollution that produces numerous negative effects. The viability of a green wall consists in the use of plants with a high aesthetic appearance, which are resistant to environmental conditions and ensure a quick and compact coverage. The present paper proposes a multiple linear regression model for the plant coverage of a vertical system in which the soil moisture and temperature are explanatory variables. The questions that we address and answer in this paper are related to the dependence of the plant coverage on the orientation of the wall and the influence of the plant coverage on the temperature inside a green wall system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and energy‐saving efforts make it necessary to look for energy‐free technology to reduce buildings' temperature. This work aims to develop a system for monitoring green panels' physical variables (atmospheric temperature, humidity, soil humidity, amount of light, and vibration) to determine their efficiency. A model of a green panel was outfitted with detectors that recorded atmospheric variable modifications within and outside the green panel under evaluation. Open‐source code and hardware were used to record all variables and store the data. Once the monitoring system is completed, a green panel model is developed as concept proof for monitoring the physical variables; a database is created, studied, and tested using the formulated hypothesis. The variables were analyzed using current techniques of statistical description, and the results obtained support the idea underpinning the feasibility of implementing green panels in city houses and buildings. A substantial difference in temperature up to 12°C was found when using green walls and ceiling systems at the hottest times of the day. The humidity in the air is up to 88%, generating an atmosphere of comfort in buildings where these systems are installed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]