Proposal is for a green wall on the Odeon Luxe to fight pollution levels

Thamesfied councillors on Wandsworth Council are calling on the Odeon to erect a living or green wall on the exterior adjacent to Putney High Street (see computer generated image).

On the petition Cllrs Locker, Ryder and Torrington say: "We think this will be ideal after the cinema’s internal refurbishment and make a great improvement to the High Street. The works are currently being scoped and Odeon cinemas have asked us to show support from local people before they commit to the project".

According to a report in 2014 by Biologist and sustainable strategist, Peter Normann Vangsbo and Lissa Barrows for WorldWatch Institute: 'Green walls result in noise reduction and muffle high-frequency sounds. They can even block low-frequency noises when created with a substrate or growing medium support. The reduction of the heat island effect is another benefit of green walls as the vegetation in urban environments advances the naturally occurring cooling processes, including evapotranspiration and photosynthesis. Continuously recycled water systems can be integrated into green walls with built-in irrigation systems where the water is collected from the bottom of the wall and returned back to the top. Indeed, strategic placement of green walls cools down the air and also the buildings benefit from significant energy savings. They provide thermal insulation and reduce energy usage for heating or cooling, thus resulting in less pollution. Furthermore, they may be a great factor in pollution reduction in cities by sequestering carbon dioxide, capturing particulate matter, and lowering extreme summer temperatures through evaporation of water in the plants’ medium.'

Their report also highlights that their benefits are not simply environmental but also social: 'Besides environmental benefits, green walls offer societal benefits, including the opportunity for beautifying areas, urban agriculture, and natural healing. The greenery can visually enhance the areas outside as well as inside to naturally draw more people to locations.'

To sign the petition click here.

We have asked Odeon for their comments.

August 3, 2018