Sandpit Projects
Sandpit Projects
GREENIN Network Plus successfully funded four Sandpit projects developed through its collaborative Sandpit process. These interdisciplinary feasibility studies bring together researchers and partners to address challenges in indoor greening, environmental quality, health and wellbeing.
To learn more about the funded projects, scroll down below.
Sandpit Project 1
Indoor–Outdoor Interactions in Classroom Greening: Practical Guidance on Fast-Growing and Conventional Indoor Plants for Improving Indoor Environmental Quality (GreenMyClassroom)
Project Team:
Dr Hao Sun (University of Surrey),
Dr John Calautit (University College London),
Dr Akash Biswal (University of Surrey),
Mr Adam Taylor (ARM Environments),
Mr Adam Taylor (ARM Environments),
Dr Ana Paula Mendes Emygdio, National Physical Laboratory (NPL),
Mrs Steph Bleach, Zero Carbon Guildford,
Mr Jonathan Dean, Camden Council,
Professor Laurence Jones, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH),
Mr Wickson Cheung, University of Surrey
Professor Prashant Kumar, University of Surrey
Summary – This feasibility study explores how indoor greening can improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in UK school classrooms. While indoor plants are increasingly promoted as a practical nature-based solution, schools currently lack evidence on which plants are most effective, where they should be placed, and how outdoor conditions influence their performance.
The project combines stakeholder engagement, classroom monitoring, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling to compare fast-growing and conventional indoor plants under real classroom conditions. Using calibrated environmental sensors, the research will assess temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and airflow while evaluating how plant type, quantity, and window-side placement influence ventilation, pollutant movement, and overheating.
Working closely with schools, local authorities, industry, and community partners, the project will translate its findings into an evidence-informed toolkit providing practical guidance on plant selection, placement, and implementation. The outcomes will support schools in adopting indoor greening strategies that improve learning environments while reducing trial-and-error, and will provide a foundation for larger-scale future research on classroom greening.
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Sandpit Project 2
A Prototype Online Inventory for Linking Indoor Greening Systems, Plant Traits, Performance, and Built Environment Applications
Dr Akash Biswal, University of Surrey
Summary – This feasibility study aims to develop the first publicly accessible online inventory of indoor green infrastructure (iGI) systems, helping researchers, designers, and building professionals identify suitable indoor greening solutions for different built environments. Although indoor greening has shown significant potential to improve air quality, thermal comfort, health, and wellbeing, existing evidence remains fragmented and difficult to access or compare.
The project will synthesise published research and case studies to create a structured database linking plant species, system types, design characteristics, and performance outcomes across a range of indoor greening approaches, including potted plants, green walls, biofiltration systems, and hybrid nature-based solutions. It will also develop a prototype web-based decision-support tool, enabling users to compare indoor greening options based on plant traits, environmental performance, maintenance requirements, and application contexts.
Working closely with academic, industry, and international partners, the project will translate fragmented evidence into an accessible resource that supports evidence-based decision-making and future research. The resulting online inventory, prototype selection tool, and practical guidance will provide a foundation for wider adoption of indoor greening while supporting the development of healthier, more sustainable, and climate-resilient buildings.
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Sandpit Project 3
PlantTwin-Risk: A Live Digital Twin for Safe, Low-Carbon Indoor Greening
Dr John Calautit, University College London
Summary – This feasibility study explores how indoor greening can improve indoor environmental quality while minimising the risks of excess humidity, damp, mould, and maintenance in buildings. Although indoor plants are increasingly recognised as a nature-based solution for improving air quality, thermal comfort, and wellbeing, there remains limited evidence on when they provide the greatest benefits and how they can be safely managed in real building environments.
The project combines live environmental monitoring, digital twin technology, and building energy modelling to evaluate the performance of indoor greening under real operating conditions. Using a prototype active green wall, environmental sensors, and an EnergyPlus-based digital twin, the research will monitor temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, plant moisture, and ventilation to assess cooling performance, air quality, condensation risk, and operational efficiency.
Working closely with academic, industry, and horticultural partners, the project will develop a live digital twin prototype, a risk dashboard, and practical guidance to support evidence-based indoor greening. The outcomes will help designers, estates teams, and building managers optimise indoor greening strategies while reducing operational risks, providing a foundation for future large-scale deployment of safe, low-carbon, and climate-resilient indoor green infrastructure.
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Sandpit Project 4
Understanding and Measuring Pathways from Engagement with Indoor Greening Infrastructure and Wellbeing: Development of an IGI Behavioural Observation Checklist and Behavioural Systems Map
Professor Tracy Epton, University of Manchester
Summary – This feasibility study explores how engagement with indoor greening infrastructure (IGI) influences health and wellbeing by examining the behaviours people display in greener indoor environments. While indoor greening is widely recognised for its potential to improve wellbeing, there is currently limited understanding of the behavioural pathways that link indoor greening with measurable health outcomes.
The project combines ethnographic observation, behavioural science, and systems mapping to investigate how people interact with indoor greening in real-world settings. Working across a community kitchen and a GP practice, the research will observe behaviours associated with wellbeing, including noticing, social connection, learning, giving, and light physical activity. These findings will be used to develop and validate a practical Indoor Greening Infrastructure Behavioural Observation Checklist (IBOC) together with a prototype behavioural systems map that illustrates how indoor greening, environmental conditions, and human behaviours interact to influence wellbeing.
Working closely with academic, healthcare, community, and industry partners, the project will deliver practical tools to support the evaluation and design of indoor greening interventions. The resulting behavioural observation checklist, user manual, and systems map will help researchers and practitioners better understand, measure, and optimise the wellbeing benefits of indoor greening, providing a foundation for larger-scale research and future evidence-based implementation across a wide range of indoor settings.
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