The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global environmental degradation, accounting for around 45% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. Of this, 27% comes from domestic buildings, while non-domestic buildings contribute 18%. The scale of the sector’s environmental footprint is undeniable, particularly when one considers the energy-intensive processes of construction, the emissions generated during the lifecycle of buildings, and the immense volumes of waste produced. As the world grapples with the urgent need to tackle climate change, the construction sector is under increasing pressure to align with global sustainability goals.
The UK government’s commitment at COP26 to cut emissions by at least 68% by 2030 has only intensified the demand for change across all industries, particularly within the built environment. Achieving these ambitious targets requires a fundamental shift in how we design, build, and maintain our buildings and infrastructure. This is where biophilic design—a concept that integrates nature into the built environment—has emerged as a key solution. Increasingly, biophilic design is being recognised not just as an aesthetic trend, but as a critical strategy to reduce the environmental impact of buildings while also delivering a range of benefits for people’s health and wellbeing.
Biophilic design: A proven solution for sustainable building
Biophilic design involves the deliberate incorporation of natural elements such as light, air, plants, and natural materials into architectural spaces. Research consistently demonstrates that biophilic design not only improves occupant health, productivity, and mental wellbeing, but also leads to significant environmental benefits. By reducing energy consumption, improving air quality, and fostering biodiversity, biophilic design offers a sustainable alternative to traditional construction practices.
Biophilia, a term coined by sociobiologist E.O. Wilson, refers to the innate human affinity for life and natural systems. The Biophilia Hypothesis, which Wilson first proposed, suggests that humans have an inherent tendency to connect with nature and other forms of life. When we sever these connections, as is often the case in modern workplaces, hospitals, and urban environments, both our health and the health of the planet suffer. This disconnection is linked to increased stress, poor mental health, and environmental degradation.
The Biophilic Framework seeks to reverse this trend by reintroducing natural elements into the built environment. Its aim is to reconnect people with nature through design choices that promote well-being, enhance productivity, and support sustainability. For instance, the presence of plants, trees, and green spaces in urban environments and workplaces has been shown to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and lower healthcare costs. In workplaces, biophilic design increases employee satisfaction, making offices more attractive to both current staff and prospective hires. In healthcare settings, patients recover faster, and in prisons, biophilic designs can even reduce reoffending rates. The framework isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that nurture both people and the planet.
Biophilic framework in action: Exterior solutions
Biophilic design can be applied to both interior and exterior spaces, offering immediate benefits to businesses and communities. Exterior biophilic solutions are particularly effective in improving environmental conditions. One of the primary advantages is reducing pollution—whether through improved air quality, water management, or noise reduction. For example, rewilding estates maximizes the natural potential of land by incorporating greenery and biodiversity, which not only boosts biodiversity net gain (BNG) but also reduces energy use and creates spaces that improve mental and physical health.
Green walls are another powerful exterior design feature. By installing living walls of plants, buildings can combat the heat island effect, reduce indoor temperatures, and lessen the need for air conditioning. This helps mitigate the impact of heatwaves and contributes to energy savings. Additionally, green walls purify the air by absorbing toxins and filtering out pollutants, including noise, which has been linked to a range of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. According to Manchester City Council, living walls can reduce noise pollution by up to 50%. Tree planting further reduces urban heat, aids in flood prevention, and enhances BNG. Trees also play a crucial role in managing water resources by reducing water consumption and managing stormwater runoff.
Waterscapes, such as ponds, streams, and fountains, are another vital element of biophilic design. These not only contribute to cooling and increasing BNG but also tap into what’s known as the “blue mind effect.” This psychological phenomenon occurs when people are near water, triggering positive emotions and reducing stress levels by stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
Interior biophilic design: Enhancing human connection to nature
Inside buildings, biophilic design focuses on improving the sensory experience for occupants. Simple changes such as introducing natural light into workplaces or healthcare settings can have profound effects. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock, which governs sleep and alertness cycles. Proper light exposure can improve sleep quality and boost energy levels, fostering higher productivity and creativity.
The inclusion of natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo in interiors can also lower stress levels and improve occupant well-being. Studies show that using these materials—over synthetic alternatives—can reduce blood pressure and create a calming atmosphere. Mass timber buildings, such as the Black and White Building in London, demonstrate the growing trend of using timber as a sustainable and healthy building material. These buildings improve air quality, enhance acoustics, and reduce the energy required for heating and cooling, making them both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
This article only scratches the surface of biophilic design’s potential. By integrating natural elements into every stage of the built environment—from construction to operation—biophilic design can transform our cities, workplaces, hospitals, and homes. It offers a blueprint for creating spaces that benefit human health, foster environmental sustainability, and enhance quality of life. To learn more, join the growing community of biophilic design professionals working to reshape the built environment.
The Journal of Biophilic Design, founded by Dr. Vanessa Champion, is a pioneering platform exploring how nature influences human health, productivity, and well-being through design. With a PhD from UCL and a background in media, Champion’s career includes editing a London newspaper and founding a consultancy with high-profile clients, from the BBC to the NHS. But it was witnessing firsthand the healing power of nature in hospital settings that inspired her to create the Journal. By bridging research and practice, the publication showcases how biophilic design—bringing nature into built environments—supports people, planet, and place. Champion, a passionate nature lover and photographer, also creates “Virtual Nature Walls” for healthcare and workspaces, while leading the philanthropic PhotoAid Global Foundation to promote social impact through media and design.
www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com
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