INNOVATION
Machine learning for low- maintenance green walls
Today, artificial intelligence and machine learning are no longer just buzzwords – they are essential tools for shaping a more sustainable future. Zauben meets the twin needs of sustainability and commercial efficiencies – something businesses
in the West End and beyond will appreciate.
Zauben’s tech-enabled living walls, green roofs, and ‘smart plants’ self-irrigate
I n 2021, researchers from The retrofitted with a living wall to measure its impact on heat loss. The result was a clear win for proponents of urban greening: a reduction in heat lost through the building’s structure of more than 30%. With insulation high on the agenda of the new Labour government, greening existing buildings in this way could be an effective strategy for property owners, and innovation is driving efficiencies in green wall implementation. US-based company Zauben creates University of Plymouth published the findings of a study that saw a a pre-1970s building on its campus outdoor and indoor green walls, as well as green roofs. These are designed to be self-irrigating, which removes one of the biggest maintenance tasks associated with living walls. Acting as natural air purifiers, the plants also help to shield buildings against intense urban heat, which could mean less money and energy spent on indoor air conditioning during the summer months. Outdoor living walls can also help with stormwater management. Zauben’s flagship product, called the Model Z, is a hydroponic living wall designed for commercial office spaces, which the company claims requires
Having greenery inside, particularly in office environments, can boost productivity
suit an indoor space, depending on light levels, temperature, and the desired look. Sensors keep track of the plants’ health, so that they only receive water as and when needed. According to the company, this approach can cut water usage by half and keeps service callouts to a minimum, although clients can still easily schedule monthly maintenance visits if needed. Adding greenery to office environments can bring several benefits. For example, one study by the University of Reading found that adding plants to offices boosted employees’ perceived attention, productivity, stress, and efficiency. More objectively, greenery can also improve acoustics and indoor air quality. CBRE, JLL, Ford, and Google are all early adopters of Zauben’s technology, which is currently available in the US and Canada. However, Zauben is open to discussing potential projects with businesses outside North America.
75% less water than plants grown in soil. The frame is made using recycled plastic bottles, and a tank at the base circulates water so that the wall irrigates itself without requiring extra plumbing or time-intensive manual watering. Zauben continually monitors the health of the green walls through its connected sensors to ensure they are getting enough water and light. Machine learning capabilities power this monitoring to ensure the system is optimised. The company also offers a ‘Smart Planter’ service, whereby the Zauben team handpicks a selection of plants to
Installing greenery both inside and outside buildings can require complicated planning and time-intensive upkeep, but startup Zauben aims to overcome those barriers. With its tech-enabled solution and continual expert support, owners don’t need to worry about spending unnecessary time, money, and resources keeping the plants healthy. Although currently focused on North America, Zauben shows the potential of combining technology and nature to enhance the built environment.
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