Product Overview

Summary: This Standard Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable process for maintaining biophilic design elements in Australian workplaces, from living walls and indoor planting to natural materials and daylighting features. It helps organisations protect their investment, sustain the intended health and wellbeing benefits, and ensure biophilic spaces remain safe, attractive and fit for purpose over the long term.

Biophilic design is increasingly central to Australian workplaces, supporting staff wellbeing, productivity and brand identity through the integration of nature into built environments. However, without a structured maintenance regime, living walls, indoor planting, water features and natural material finishes can quickly deteriorate, creating issues ranging from poor aesthetics and plant die-off through to mould growth, pest activity and occupant complaints. This SOP provides a comprehensive framework to ensure that biophilic elements are proactively maintained, monitored and improved, rather than left to ad hoc care.

The procedure outlines how to plan, schedule and document routine and seasonal maintenance activities for plants, irrigation systems, lighting, ventilation, water features and natural materials. It clarifies roles and responsibilities between internal teams and external contractors, integrates WHS considerations for working at height and with water and plant media, and embeds inspection, reporting and continuous improvement into day-to-day operations. By implementing this SOP, businesses can protect their capital investment in biophilic fit-outs, uphold design intent, and deliver consistently healthy, engaging spaces that align with Australian workplace wellness and sustainability objectives.

Key Benefits

• Protect long-term value of biophilic fit-outs by preventing premature plant loss, material degradation and costly remedial works.
• Ensure consistent employee experience by keeping biophilic features healthy, visually appealing and aligned with workplace wellbeing goals.
• Streamline coordination between facilities, WHS, cleaning teams and external horticultural contractors through clear responsibilities and schedules.
• Reduce operational risks such as leaks, mould, pests and trip hazards associated with poorly maintained plants and water features.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS obligations by embedding safe work practices into all maintenance activities involving biophilic elements.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Workplace Experience Managers
• Office Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• WHS Managers
• Sustainability Managers
• Interior Designers and Architects
• Building Services Coordinators
• Operations Managers
• Strata and Building Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Biophilic Elements
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Planning and Design Handover Requirements
• 5.0 Maintenance Scheduling and Frequency (Routine and Seasonal)
• 6.0 Inspection Checklists for Plants, Living Walls and Green Roofs
• 7.0 Maintenance Procedures for Indoor Plants and Planters
• 8.0 Maintenance Procedures for Living Walls and Vertical Gardens
• 9.0 Irrigation, Drainage and Moisture Management
• 10.0 Water Features and Humidity Control Maintenance
• 11.0 Care of Natural Materials (Timber, Stone, Natural Fibres)
• 12.0 Indoor Environmental Quality Considerations (Light, Airflow, Thermal Comfort)
• 13.0 Cleaning, Waste Management and Pest Control for Biophilic Areas
• 14.0 WHS Considerations and Safe Work Practices (including Working at Heights and Chemical Use)
• 15.0 Contractor Management and Service Level Agreements
• 16.0 Incident, Defect and Issue Reporting
• 17.0 Records, Documentation and Asset Registers
• 18.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Upgrade Triggers

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• AS 1428.1: Design for access and mobility – General requirements for access – New building work (for circulation and trip hazard considerations)
• AS 3666: Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control (relevant to water features and humidity control)
• NCC (National Construction Code) – Performance requirements for internal environments, moisture and condensation management