How effective are green façades in reducing particulate matter (PM) in urban areas? This is the object of the scientific study Façade Greening for Healthy Urban Air: An Umbrella Review on Particulate Matter Reduction, Challenges, and Future Directions.

The study systematically reviews previous research, analysing measurement methods, influencing factors, and the overall efficacy of façade greening. The effectiveness of green façades on the reduction of PM is not easily assessed: comparability is difficult due to methodological differences and external influences such as different climatic conditions affecting the use of plant species. Further research is encouraged to address this knowledge gap, and to gain a better understanding of how greening buildings and nature-based solutions incorporated in urban planning and design can help make cities more liveable.