Projects
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| Reference Number | UKRI1239 | |
| Title | Greening the indoors: transformation of indoor environments in a changing climate (GREENIN) | |
| Status | Started | |
| Energy Categories | Energy Efficiency (Residential and commercial) 10%; Not Energy Related 50%; Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research (Environmental, social and economic impacts) 40%; |
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| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Geography and Environmental Studies) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Architecture and the Built Environment) 50%; |
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| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions) 50%; Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Other sociological economical and environmental impact of energy) 50%; |
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| Principal Investigator |
Prashant Kumar University of Surrey |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 06 October 2025 | |
| End Date | 06 October 2027 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £498,004 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Unknown | |
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | Healthcare : Healthcare | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Prashant Kumar , University of Surrey |
| Other Investigator | Kamaldeep Bhui , University of Oxford Nicola Carslaw , University of York Katherine Denby , University of York Laurence Jones , Centre for Ecology & Hydrology ZAHEER Nasar , Cranfield University Jannis Wenk , University of Bath |
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| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | Context and Challenge Climate change is reshaping our indoor environments, bringing higher temperatures, shifting humidity levels, and altering pollution patterns in buildings. As we strive for enhanced energy efficiency in buildings to meet the UK Government’s 2050 Net Zero targets, there is a risk of compromising indoor environmental quality (IEQ), particularly due to reduced ventilation when indoor pollution sources are not addressed. While outdoor greening solutions like green walls and trees are well-researched and increasingly in popularity, we lack a clear understanding of how indoor plants affect IEQ and their interplay with outdoor greening near buildings and how their impact will change as the climate warms. GREENIN will address these knowledge gaps by studying key questions about indoor plants and IEQ. The research aims to explore the effectiveness of indoor plants in purifying air, regulating temperature, and controlling humidity, and how building design, construction, and the inhabitants’ activities affect the impact of indoor plants. GREENIN will focus on determining the best ways to measure the potential benefits of indoor greening and examine how climate change might influence these benefits. Additionally, the network will investigate the effects of indoor plants on human health and well-being, while identifying the most effective plants and methods for creating healthier indoor environments. Vision, Aims, and Objectives GREENIN seeks to revolutionise our understanding of indoor green spaces and their impact on health and well-being. To achieve this, our initial, multidisciplinary team - comprising researchers from five leading UK institutions and 27 key stakeholders, including international partners - provides the foundation of the network, which will evolve into a nationally and internationally recognised force in the field. Our objectives are to: (1) Build a network of multidisciplinary specialists; (2) Conduct collaborative studies to expand our knowledge of indoor greening; (3) Create practical guidelines for building design and management professionals; and (4) Promote wider use of greening to enhance building environments and public health. GREENIN will explore the optimal design and implementation of indoor green spaces, assess their advantages and disadvantages under changing environmental conditions, and evaluate their effects on IEQ. Additionally, GREENIN will examine the broader impacts of greening both inside and around buildings, including potential energy savings and heat mitigation. Our goal is to guide informed decisions about improving indoor environmental quality in a warming climate, integrating green features to create healthier, safer indoor environments while addressing energy conservation and climate change challenges. Potential Applications and Benefits GREENIN's research has wide-ranging potential benefits, providing evidence on whether and how indoor plants improve IEQ, and createhealthier spaces. This includes studying air quality, hygrothermal control, and biological, social, and psychological effects. Our work will offer practical insights for designing healthier indoor green spaces while supporting energy efficiency and heat reduction. These insights will benefit the public, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with health conditions sensitive to poor indoor air quality. By involving businesses, policymakers, and environmental groups, GREENIN will help incorporate greening practices into building design and management. Our guidelines, policy advice, and innovative solutions will influence urban and indoor planning, creating healthier indoor environments resilient to climate change challenges | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 14/01/26 | |
