Pollution-eating plants tested by Nasa boffins have been installed in Manchester's office of the future. The lean, green, toxin-munching foliage is the centre-piece of a high-tech new Co-op office in Balloon Street in the city centre. The building has been hailed as the most eco-friendly in Britain.
Its electricity comes from a windfarm, the air-conditioning uses natural gas and the wood comes from sustainable forests. Even the paint is organic.
The plants' leaves - and the bacteria that live on them - will root out particles of potentially dangerous pollutants and turn them into harmless by-products.
The areca palm, for example, is particularly fond of toluene, a by-product of glue that can be harmful when it combines with oxygen. The species of plants were chosen after tests by Nasa scientists in America showed that they were the most effective in improving indoor air quality.
The new office will bring together the Co-op's travel, banking and insurance services. Executive director Sheila Macdonald said: "No. 1 Balloon Street has been associated with the Co-op since it was formed in 1872.
"We are all very proud of our green credentials and I hope this outlet will be held up as an example of best practice."
(From Manchester Evening News (12(?)/03/03))