By incorporating natural elements into the design, a hotel can both reduce its environmental impact and improve the wellbeing of its guests. Leaflike, a company with biophilic design at its core, identifies ways to help hotels achieve sustainability while improving their spaces aesthetically and functionally…
Biophilic design is all about incorporating elements of nature into the built environment – from plants and natural materials, through to views of the outdoors. The documented benefits of this design approach include improved air quality, reduced stress and increased productivity. Additionally, research indicates that hotel guests are willing to pay 23 per cent more for rooms with a view of biophilic elements, while having attractive planting displays in hotel lobbies, increases dwell time by up to 36 per cent.
Image credit: Leaflike
Biophilic design for hotels can assist in improving air quality, with plants helping to filter the air and remove pollutants which, in turn, improves the guest experience. Plants also help to regulate the temperature in a hotel, which can lead to reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. Studies have shown that people who are exposed to natural elements are more productive, with nature and natural references helping to reduce stress and improve focus.
Image credit: Leaflike
With sustainability as a core value, Leaflike works with hotels to create sustainable planting solutions – something that has recently been recognised by receiving a gold Ecovadis award for their commitment to sustainability. Ecovadis is a global sustainability rating system that assesses the environmental, social and ethical performance of companies. Leaflike was awarded a Gold Ecovadis rating for their strong performance in all three areas.
Hotels that are committed to sustainability recognise that their supply chain and partners have a significant impact on driving sustainability. Partnering with businesses that already reach or surpass sustainability standards is a good place to start. Some of the ways that Leaflike is committed to sustainability include: Using sustainable materials in the planting solutions, such as recycled plastic and reclaimed wood. Conserving water by using drip irrigation and recycled water. Reducing its carbon footprint by using energy-efficient lighting and by offsetting its carbon emissions. Providing sustainable options including recycled planters, hydroculture planting, flower rejuvenation programmes, living biophilia, the Everleaf preserved range and natural moss walls. Providing maintenance that ensure longevity and health of plants, reducing the need for replacement and promoting sustainability.
Image credit: Leaflike
Focussing on assisting hotels to incorporate biophilic design into their spaces, Leaflike have created a biophilic checklist for hotels wanting to choose sustainable options: Use sustainable materials – when choosing plants and other materials for a biophilic design, opt for those that are sustainably sourced and produced. Consider the water needs of the plants – not all plants have the same water needs, so it’s important to choose plants that will thrive in the environment being created. Choosing plants that are drought-tolerant or that require less water, will help to conserve water resources. Incorporate designs with preserved products– these real plants that have been preserved do not require any water and last a very long time. Use natural light – natural light is a great way to bring the outdoors in, and it can also help to reduce energy consumption. And finally, incorporate water features. Water features can help to improve air quality and reduce stress levels and can also help to cool the air in your space, which can reduce your energy consumption.
Creating a space for your guests using biophilic design is both beautiful and sustainable. Leaflike provide the full service including consultation, design, installation and maintenance. The expert team is committed to helping the hospitality industry move towards a more sustainable future.
Leaflike is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Leaflike
