A new study from researchers at the University of Plymouth suggests that retrofitting a masonry cavity walled building with an exterior ‘living wall’ (comprising a flexible felt fabric sheet system with pockets allowing for soil and planting) can reduce the amount of heat lost through its structure by more than 30%.

The results also suggest the adding a green wall stabilises daily temperature fluctuations within a building, which further reduces the amount of energy required to heat it.

With around 60% of the energy consumed by buildings used for heating, and the majority of buildings in the UK more than 50 years old, the researchers argue that green walls could make a significant contribution to decarbonisation efforts over the coming decades.