Arup has unveiled a ‘living wall’ of scaffolding on a project in Mayfair, which it says has the potential to reduce air pollution by up to 20%.

The ‘Living Wall Lite’ covers 80 sq m of scaffolding on the Grade I-listed St Mark’s Building and comprises a mixture of grasses, flowers and strawberries.

The wall aims to reduce the visual impact of scaffolding on local residents, and Arup says studies have shown it can reduce noise pollution by up to 10 decibels as well as improving air quality. It is the first time the technology has been trialled in the UK.

Grosvenor is currently redeveloping the St Mark’s property into a new retail and community space, which is due to complete in 2017.

The wall has been designed by Arup and manufactured by Swedish living wall specialist Green Fortune, and will be fitted with sensors to monitor its impact on noise, temperature and air pollution.

‘Living Wall Lite has the potential to transform scaffolding and hoardings into much more than just a cover up,’ said Alistair Law, façade engineer and the Living Wall Lite’s developer. ‘By introducing plants and flowers, we can create a more attractive and healthier environment for local residents, businesses and workers on site.’

‘This is a great initiative and is in line with our long-term ambition to improve the environmental sustainability of the buildings across our London estate, reducing emissions by 50% by 2030,’ said Mark Tredwell, development director at Grosvenor.