Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into indoor environments, is increasingly recognised for its transformative effects on workplaces. In 2023, we were proud to contribute to the Reap What You Sow study, which revealed a striking return on investment (ROI) for businesses adopting this approach. For every £1 spent on biophilic enhancements, organisations gained £2.70 in value through reduced stress, improved productivity, and enhanced employee satisfaction.

Yet, as Derek Clements-Croome, one of the study’s authors, pointed out, the true potential of biophilic design might go further than the figures suggest. Factors such as improved decision-making, which are harder to measure, could make the benefits even greater. This raises the question: how do natural elements like plants, which form a key part of biophilic design, influence our ability to think clearly and make better decisions?

CO2, Cognitive Clarity, and Decision-Making

One of the clearest links between biophilic design and decision-making lies in air quality. A study published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences demonstrated that higher CO2 levels significantly impair cognitive function. Plants, which naturally absorb CO2 and release oxygen, offer a simple yet powerful way to improve indoor air quality and support clear thinking.

The study, Is CO2 an Indoor Pollutant?, tested participants’ decision-making abilities in a controlled environment with varying CO2 levels. Moderate levels (1,000 ppm) caused declines in key metrics such as initiative and task orientation, while high levels (2,500 ppm) led to sharp performance drops of up to 94% in some areas. These findings highlight the critical role of maintaining clean air for optimal decision-making in workplaces.

By introducing plants into office spaces, CO2 levels can be reduced, creating an environment where clearer thinking and better decisions come naturally.

The Sound of Better Decisions

Noise is another significant barrier to clear thinking. Background noise can hinder concentration and make it harder to process information, leading to the common complaint: “I can’t hear myself think.” Biophilic design addresses this issue, with moss walls offering a particularly effective solution.

Moss walls combine natural beauty with acoustic benefits. Their Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), which measures how much sound a material absorbs, typically rates around 0.70. This means they absorb 70% of the sound energy they encounter, significantly reducing noise. Certain types of moss, such as reindeer moss, can achieve an NRC as high as 0.96, reducing noise levels by up to 10dB.

In addition to their acoustic performance, moss walls contribute to a more tranquil and focused atmosphere. Strategically placing them in high-traffic or noisy areas minimises distractions and helps employees approach decisions with greater clarity.

Why Green Helps Us Think More Clearly

The psychological impact of colour also plays an important role in decision-making. Green, positioned at the centre of the visible light spectrum, is the easiest colour for the human eye to process. This reduces visual strain and has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, creating a sense of balance and focus.

Green is strongly associated with nature, which many people connect to feelings of calm and renewal. Studies show that exposure to greenery reduces stress, boosts mood, and stimulates creative thinking. Adding green tones to office spaces, particularly through plants, helps create an environment where employees feel calmer and more prepared to make thoughtful decisions. Plants also introduce a sense of harmony, fostering a workspace that supports clearer thinking and more deliberate choices.

Biophilic Design: Beyond Greenery

It’s important to recognise that plants, while incredibly effective, are just one element of biophilic design. This approach also incorporates natural light, ventilation, water features, organic shapes, and materials to create spaces that mimic the restorative qualities of nature. Together, these elements work to improve well-being, focus, and creativity, all of which contribute to better decision-making.

Unlocking Untapped Potential

The Reap What You Sow study highlighted the impressive ROI of biophilic design, but its findings may have only scratched the surface. By improving air quality, reducing noise, and incorporating calming green tones, biophilic design creates environments where better decision-making becomes a natural outcome.

Could biophilic design unlock your organisation’s potential?

Plants are perhaps the easiest wellbeing initiative to implement in an office, offering instant benefits that employees and businesses can feel immediately.

With over 30 years of experience and the accreditations you’d expect from a trusted supplier, we specialise in designing and maintaining plant-based biophilic solutions that make workplaces healthier and more effective. From moss walls to bespoke plant installations, our tailored solutions help businesses achieve their full potential.

To make incorporating plants into your designs more accessible, our flexible rental agreements significantly reduce up-front costs. These agreements also include a comprehensive maintenance contract, ensuring plants remain in perfect condition with minimal disruption to your business.

Get in touch today for a free consultation.