Industry consultancy Arup is encouraging developers, planners and building authorities to implement 'green building envelopes' to reduce air pollution in cities.

The 'Cities Alive: Green Building Envelope' report states that the technique, which is often dismissed as 'architectural window dressing', could reduce localised air pollution by up to 20% in some locations.

In addition, 'living walls' can reduce sound levels by up to 10 decibels in certain situations, as well as reducing urban up-heating (heat island effects) and filter fine dust on the streets.

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Arup said the methods contribution has been "underestimated" and the report shows how green buildings can play a "significant part in reducing urban stress and keeping people connected with nature".

Tom Armour, Global Landscape Architecture Leader, said: "Tackling rising air pollution is a priority to help improve people's health. As our cities continue to become built up, ‘grey' structures, such as walls and roofs, are a source of untapped potential for adapting into green spaces.

"When well-designed, green envelopes can have a positive impact on tackling air pollution, but can also deliver a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits to make cities more attractive and healthier places to be."

(LM/CD)