COP26: New partnership will test the effectiveness of living green walls in improving urban environments

Manchester Met researchers will test the effectiveness of living green walls

Representatives from Manchester Met are attending COP26 to help accelerate action to tackle climate change. We'll be sharing our insights and research that is making a difference over the duration of the conference.

The effectiveness of living green walls in improving urban environments will be scientifically tested through a new partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and leading horticultural and biophilic company I Want Plants.

I Want Plants – who are aiming to transform UK cities into sustainable green spaces with their HYVERT walls – will collaborate with the University through a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) awarded by Innovate UK.

A six-figure grant, which will be matched by the independent company, will support research into the effectiveness of the company’s living green walls, which are vertical structures with attached greenery that aim to create green space, improve biodiversity and reduce air pollution. 

Scientists from Manchester Metropolitan will scientifically quantify exactly how much CO2 and NO2 gases HYVERT is able to remove from the atmosphere, determining how effective the structures are at improving urban environments.

Dr David Megson, Director of the Ecology and Environment Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “This study is of significant importance, presenting the opportunity for us to improve the quality of our environments and pave the way for more sustainable, carbon neutral cities.

“In addition to carbon capture we are also really interested to see what additional benefits this green infrastructure can have on local air quality and biodiversity.”

The KTP scheme at Manchester Met is a long-standing, government-funded initiative that allows businesses to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance. It sees organisations joining forces with researchers and academics at the University to address specific business challenges.

Speaking on the KTP award and his aspiration to transform UK cities into sustainable green spaces, Managing Director of I Want Plants, Richard Rowlands, said: “We’re extremely proud to be pioneers in green infrastructure design and maintenance, and believe that making room for nature in our urban cities is the future. 

“Our HYVERT walls enable planners, developers and business owners to add a vertical green solution where ground space isn’t available and enjoy all the environmental benefits that they bring, including improving air quality by reducing carbon and nitrogen dioxide and releasing oxygen, providing a visually attractive environment, supporting mental wellbeing, improving building acoustics by absorbing unwanted noise, and boosting biodiversity. 

“With the support of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership and Manchester Metropolitan University we are thrilled to be able to accelerate research into further scientifically quantifying the environmental benefits of our living green walls and, together with key decision makers, paving the way for greener, more environmentally friendly environments.”