James Martin Human Resources Manager - Assignment Example

James Martin – Human Resources Manager Mr. Martin, Please find below the information regarding the implementation of an interior vertical living wall within Nova Insurance for presentation to the Board of Directors. Created by French botanist Patrick Blanc, a living wall, also referred to as a green wall, can be a freestanding wall or integrated into the architecture of the building’s renovation project. There is a requirement for a modular wall panel often made out of stainless steel, which contains the irrigation system, growing media and the vegetation desired. There are three different growth media that are commonly used in the creation of a living wall, which are loose, mat and structural. Aside from the well-known Canadian Universities such as Waterloo and Queens, there are other Canadian installations of living walls. There are also a plethora of cost and environmental benefits to Nova Insurance, as well as physical and mental health benefits to its employees and clients. Loose Media Loose walls are not recommended for Nova Insurance, as the plants are grown in the same manner as most house plants. They are in a pot of soil, which requires periodic replenishment and creates an untidy look that is also difficult to maintain in a public setting. Mat Media Mat systems are created of a cork fibre or felt matting. This method will only support mature plant growth up to five years before reparation is required. This system requires constant irrigation as it is unable to hold water like loose media. This will create an additional cost requirement, as a hydroponics system is required. Structural Media Structural systems are akin to a block type of system, which can be created in a plethora of sizes, thicknesses and shapes. This is the most recommended media, as they do not require renovation for up to 15 years. This type of system is most readily adaptable to architectural requirements of Nova Insurance, as well as most easily maintained and replaced as necessary. This system offers the highest longevity and performance among the three media. Overall, the structural media is often the most expensive to install initially, however, its maintenance cost is the lowest; longevity is the highest and the most vigorous in growth to achieve second floor expansion. Installations Among varying universities across Canada, there are several other installations of living walls. One such installation is located in Richmond, BC at Vancouver International Airport. This living wall is both interior and exterior. This living wall was designed not only to be aesthetically pleasing, but also to assist the environment through cooling, air purification and biophillia. This wall consists of nearly 28,000 individual plants that are attached to the structural wall via a specially designed frame (Greenroof Projects Database, 2010). On a smaller scale, Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC has installed a four story living wall in their newly created Brown House of Learning. This lecture theatre was created to improve the quality of life of students attending the university using a 1,300 plant green wall (Cummins, 2011). Impact Living walls are instrumental in the reduction of insolation, thus reducing electrical cooling and heating costs. Plants transpire; therefore, they do not rise in temperature by more than 5 C above ambient. Often, the plants are cooler. Living walls are also beneficial in the reduction of water waste. The plants can purify small amounts of pollution in water through the absorption of the dissolved nutrients found within it. The insulation of the interior plant wall also reduces the amount of noise pollution within the office. Among the cost benefits to Nova Insurance and the environmental benefits, is the benefit to the employees of Nova Insurance in the reduction of sick building syndrome. Sick building syndrome is caused by poor indoor air quality. The introduction of a living wall within Nova Insurance will increase the rate of fresh air exchange. This will reduce the improper ventilation of ozone, volatile organic compounds and moulds (Darlington, Dixon & Pilger, 1998). The plants will absorb many of the pollutants in the air as well, reducing the probability of sick building syndrome. Among the health related issues, Nova Insurance will likely see lower absenteeism as shown in a study by Kellert (2005). The workplace will be seen as more pleasant, even fun. This will result in higher job satisfaction (Dravigne, Waliczek, Lineberger & Zajicek, 2008). Beyond the benefits to the employees of Nova Insurance, the clientele will also benefit from the installation of a living wall. Being seen as a “green” company will only enhance the benefit of our clientele, as word of mouth is very important in the ascertainment of new clients. This living wall will present the feel of health and nature to our clients that cannot otherwise be obtained as easily. Overall, the benefits of installing a living wall far outweigh the disadvantages. The economical and financial benefits to Nova insurance are high, due to the increase of thermal building performance, which will not only lower energy costs but will also decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Given that Nova Insurance is considering installing a living wall within a new renovation project will also make the introduction more cost effective by adding a higher level of flexibility in design, support, watering and ventilation systems. This installation will also reduce the maintenance costs of the living wall itself, having been installed as an original part of the renovation of the building, not an addition after renovations are completed. The installation of a living wall will only increase productiveness of employees, enhance the appearance of Nova Insurance to the general public and increase sales and cost effectiveness of the building itself. Mr. Martin, it is highly recommended that Nova Insurance install a living wall in its new atrium, so that we can all reap the benefits and rewards of such a structure, financially, physically and emotionally. References Cummins, Bart. (2011, May 26). A living wall and local traditions together under one roof at TRU. [Web log comment]. Retrieved from: http://newsroom.blog.mytru.ca/2011/05/26/a-living-wall-and-local-traditions-together-under-one-roof-at-tru/ Darlington, A., Dixon, M.A., & Pilger, C. (1998). The Use of Biofilters to Improve Indoor Air Quality: The Removal of Toluene, TCE and Formaldehyde. Life Support Biosphere Science, 5 (1), 63-69. Dravigne, A., Waliczek, T., Linberger, R., & Zajicek, J. (2008). The Effect of Live Plants and Window Views of Green Spaces on Employee Perceptions of Job Satisfaction. Hortscience, 43 (1), 183-187. Greenroof Projects Database, (2010). YVR Canada Line Station 4 Living Wall. Retrieved from: http://www.greenroofs.com/projects/pview.php?id=1087 Kellert, S. (2005). Building for Life: Designing and Understanding the Human-Nature Connection. Washington, DC: Island Press. Read More