U.S. Green Building Council sought interiorscape help

When the U.S. Green Building Council, the leader in environmentally responsible building practices, completed its new headquarters last year, it was missing plants. USGBC asked Initial Tropical Plants in Washington, D.C., to provide greenery for the sleek, new building.

“It is very important to incorporate plantscaping into the design of green office spaces as it is essential for the overall well-being and health of employees,” said Linda Sorrento, director of education and research partnerships at USGBC. “Employees thrive in offices which connect them to the outdoors, and bringing the outdoors inside creates a healthier and more productive atmosphere.”

Valerie Goldbeck, branch vice president at Initial Tropical Plants’ Washington, D.C., office, partnered with design consultant Judy Corridon, to create the interiorscape. Initial Tropical Plants donated more than 650 plants along with custom-built planters.

One of the plants used throughout the building was Dracaena marginata, which thrives in low light. The plants were tipped to replicate low grass. The soil was augmented with coconut shells, rice husks and mulch from recycled content supplied by the state of Maryland, Sorrento said.

“The plants are easy to maintain,” Corridon said. “The plants are watered once a week, which cuts down on the amount of potable water that is used for upkeep. Even with minimal water, the plants are healthy and vibrant.”

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For more: USGBC, (800) 795-1747; www.usgbc.org. Initial Tropical Plants, (847) 634-4250; www.initialplants.com.