Newsletter #9 June 2026
Dear GREENIN Members,
As we reach the midpoint of 2026, the recent hot weather across the UK is a powerful reminder of how closely climate, comfort and health are linked—especially in the indoor spaces where we spend most of our time. In this issue, we celebrate the impact of our growing GREENIN community, from feasibility study projects testing practical indoor greening solutions, to new PhD opportunities, visiting fellows and our first major joint publication on indoor green infrastructure.
This newsletter also highlights how GREENIN is connecting local action with global learning. You'll read about recent outreach events in Staines-upon-Thames, Bristol and Guildford, the international expansion of the Urban Greening 'How To' Toolkit, the GREENIN team's work in Brazil, and our ongoing Lunch & Learn webinar series and CPD opportunities. Together, these activities demonstrate our commitment to co-creating practical, scalable nature-based solutions that support cleaner air, thermal comfort and healthier indoor environments.
"With the current hot spell in the UK, many of us are feeling firsthand how vulnerable our buildings and neighbourhoods can be to rising temperatures. Through GREENIN, we are showing that indoor and urban greening are not just aesthetic choices but essential, evidence-based tools for keeping spaces cooler, cleaner and healthier. By bringing together scientists, designers, policymakers and communities, we are turning ideas into real interventions—from classrooms and homes to streets and entire neighbourhoods—that improve air quality, enhance comfort and build resilience to a changing climate."
Professor Prashant Kumar
GREENIN Project Lead, University of Surrey
Spotlight on GREENIN Feasibility Study Winners
Following last month's announcement of the four funded feasibility studies, this month we showcase the innovative projects that will be delivered through the GREENIN Feasibility Study Programme.
The GREENIN Plus Network is investing £105,000, supporting three projects with £30,000 each and one project with £15,000. Together these projects will develop practical solutions to improve indoor greening, environmental quality, health and wellbeing.
GreenMyClassroom
Dr Hao Sun – University of Surrey
Testing fast-growing and conventional indoor plants in real classrooms to understand how indoor greening can improve air quality, thermal comfort and indoor environmental conditions for pupils and teachers.
PlantTwin-Risk
Dr John Calautit – University of Nottingham
Developing a live digital twin of indoor greening systems to assess safety, energy performance and carbon impacts in real time.
Behavioural Observation Project
Tracy Epton – University of Manchester
Creating behavioural observation tools and systems maps to understand how people interact with indoor greening infrastructure and how those interactions influence wellbeing.
Indoor Greening Inventory
Dr Akash Biswal – University of Surrey
Developing an online inventory linking indoor greening systems, plant traits, performance data and built environment applications to support evidence-based design.
GreenMyClassroom Launches on Clean Air Day
To mark Clean Air Day 2026, Research Fellow Dr Hao Sun chaired the inaugural meeting of the GreenMyClassroom project.
Over the next six months, the project will investigate how indoor and window-side plants can improve classroom air quality, reduce overheating and create healthier learning environments. Working alongside schools and project partners, the research will combine environmental monitoring and CFD modelling to develop practical guidance for schools.
Mini-Fellow Spotlight: Probiotic Intervention – Living Surfaces for Healthier Buildings
We are pleased to feature the work of GREENIN Visiting Fellow Dr Hangchuan Wei.
His project, Probiotic Intervention, explores how architectural surfaces can be designed to support beneficial microbial communities by combining computational design, robotic fabrication and bio-receptive materials.
Recognised with a Special Mention at the London Design Biennale 2025, the project reimagines buildings as living environments that promote healthier interactions between people and nature.
GREENIN Outreach: Co-Creating Climate-Resilient Neighbourhoods
GREENIN Engagement at Spelthorne Big Green Week
GCARE participated in Spelthorne Big Green Week in Staines-upon-Thames, using real-time air pollution monitoring and thermal imaging to help local communities visualise the impacts of urban greening on air quality and heat.
GP4Streets at Bristol Festival of Nature
GCARE and UWE Bristol showcased the GP4Streets project at the Bristol Festival of Nature, engaging thousands of visitors through interactive activities promoting greener, healthier and more climate-resilient streets.
Guildford Living Lab at Green Day 2026
The Guildford Living Lab team demonstrated real-time air quality and heat monitoring during Guildford Green Day 2026, helping local communities explore practical approaches to cleaner air, greener streets and climate resilience.
Nine Years of GCARE: Clean Air for All
This year marks nine years of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE).
Since its establishment, GCARE has become an internationally recognised research centre leading major interdisciplinary projects including GREENIN, RECLAIM, SMART-COAT and GP4Streets while developing practical tools, policy guidance and community partnerships to improve air quality and public health.
Upcoming Webinar – GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar #50
Registration is now open for our next GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar.
Scan the QR code or visit our webinar page to register.
Register here
Call for Speakers – GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar Series
Would you like to present your research to an international audience?
We are always looking for speakers to join future GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinars.
For more information, contact:
greeninmnp@surrey.ac.uk
Past Webinar – GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar #49
Thank you to everyone who attended Webinar #49.
If you were unable to join us, the recording is now available online.
Watch Webinar #49
GREENIN in Brazil – and in the News
GREENIN was showcased at the 3rd GREENICON Workshop in São Paulo, Brazil.
Researchers from the University of Surrey, the University of São Paulo and North Carolina State University explored how greening can improve indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort and health while strengthening climate resilience.
The workshop also received international media coverage, including BBC News, Phys.org, Energy Live News and Earth.com.
New Publication
Indoor Plants as Climate-Ready Infrastructure: GREENIN's First Major Research Output
GREENIN's first major publication, "Ten Questions on Indoor Greening and Environmental Quality", brings together 35 experts to examine how indoor plants and engineered green systems influence indoor environmental quality.
The paper introduces a practical framework and implementation matrix designed to support future research and real-world applications.
Taking the Urban Greening 'How To' Toolkit Global
Building on the original Urban Greening 'How To' Toolkit developed through the RECLAIM Network Plus, three new international editions have been developed for Ethiopia, Malawi and Nepal.
Supported by University of Surrey Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding, these toolkits provide practical guidance for planning green-blue infrastructure in different international contexts.
Learn more
PhD Studentships – Cohort 8 (September 2026–2030)
Applications are now open for the next generation of Aerosol Scientists.
Beyond Decoration: The Active Role of Houseplants in Indoor Aerosol Dynamics
Lead Supervisor: Professor Prashant Kumar
Mitigating Ultrafine Particles with Green Infrastructure
Lead Supervisor: Professor Prashant Kumar
Apply here
Level Up: Free CPD on Green, Blue and Grey Infrastructures
The RECLAIM Network is offering FREE CPD courses for a limited time.
Free to access for a limited period
Earn recognised certificates
Flexible, self-paced learning
Expert-led content
Whether you're developing new skills or expanding your expertise, now is the perfect opportunity to explore the courses.
Explore CPD Courses
GREENIN Community
We are delighted to see our network continue to grow.
GREENIN Network Members: 237
LinkedIn Followers: 389
X (Twitter) Followers: 10
Bluesky Followers: 28
Stay connected by following GREENIN on social media or visiting our website for the latest news, events and opportunities.