School's living wall will improve air quality

A Living Wall designed to improve air quality was unveiled this week at Cleveland Junior School in Ilford.

The wall is completely covered in vegetation, and was created and installed using an easy-to-maintain system, by specialist ANS Global. It was funded by Redbridge Council and the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund, and has been designed to absorb harmful nitrogen dioxide emissions, trap fine particles of dust, and provide an element of rural greenery at the school.

Veena Naidoo, Head teacher of Cleveland Junior School, comments: “We are delighted with the Living Wall which not only helps to improve air quality but also acts as a catalyst for environmental education for our pupils.  

“As part of the project the children have been learning about the impact of air pollution on the environment and how they could contribute towards improving air quality. A member of the ANS Global team came in to speak to the children about the Living Wall, and explain why each of the different plants in the wall has been selected for our location.”

A spokesperson at ANS Global explains: “The Cleveland Junior School Living Wall contains approximately 7,296 plants and a 256lm irrigation system, which waters the wall. It has been designed to purify the air immediately surrounding the school, making it healthier to breathe.”

The Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund has been working with the council to improve air quality in the borough. Councillor Dev Sharma, cabinet member for civic pride, comments: “It is very pleasing to say that we have once again been able to contribute to the delivery of a great project.  

“We are working very hard to reduce the effects of emissions in Redbridge, and are pleased to have been involved with the project at Cleveland Junior School. Tackling pollution is one of the things we have to do together.

"Everybody’s actions count. I hope that this project can inspire generations both young and old to make the simple changes to their everyday lives that will help reduce pollution levels for all of us.”