If you have ever been to the University of Guelph-Humber campus, you’ve definitely seen the four-storey living Plant Wall that lights up the campus.

The Plant Wall was first built in 2003 shortly after the university opened, but after nearly two decades the wall needed a refresh. During the lockdowns of the pandemic, the wall wasn’t being serviced and started to break down. Luckily, maintenance started this past November and the Plant Wall has been revitalized and is thriving!

Whether you are a North Campus student or just visiting, you need to check out this wall! But before you check it out, here are five facts about the University of Guelph-Humber Plant Wall.

1. There are 100 different plant species

Since being revitalized over the past few months approximately 100 different types of plants have been planted in the wall. As time goes on we will begin to see the different textures, shape and sizes that come with this great variety.

2. The wall improves air quality

One of the primary benefits of the Guelph-Humber Plant Wall is its ability to improve indoor air quality. The plants on the wall absorb pollutants such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds. This results in cleaner and healthier air for students to breathe!

3. Emerging technology

The Plant Wall uses innovative biofilter technology. Listen to co-founder of New Earth Solutions, Dylan Robertson, speak about how they built upon the previous technology in this CBC video.

4. One of the largest living walls in Canada

The Plant Wall height is 57 feet and goes as wide as 30 feet, filled with around 8,000 plants! In order for the wall to be maintained, workers must use a lift to get up to the top of the wall.

5. The wall brings community

During peak of lockdowns, students were staying home and the Plant Wall was falling apart. Second year Kinesiology student, Ashnaa Narumathan says that the new reviliaized Plant Wall is like a metaphor inspiring students back at campus.

“I think it just shows students like, hey we’re back to our old campus life, so you can come back, and you can join clubs, and you can like be a part of campus life, said Narumathan in a video with the University of Guelph-Humber.”

Make sure to visit the University of Guelph-Humber campus to check out this must see wall! If you visit make sure to take lots of insta-worthy photos to share to your socials. And remember to tag us @shareignite so we can see!

Spring is here! You don’t want to miss out on the beautiful gardens of the Humber Arboretum.

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