Kyocera, a Japanese manufacturer, covers the outer façades of its buildings with Green Curtains to lower indoor temperatures, save energy, and reduce pollution.

Living curtains of decorative or edible climbing plants help to cool the air through water evaporation, reducing the use of air conditioning while at the same time providing natural shade and sequestering carbon emissions.

As of 2016, Kyocera’s Green Curtains covered an area of more than 31,000 ft², resulting in significant summer energy savings, positive aesthetic effects, and food for their cafeterias. The project has spread to 27 factory locations in Japan.

Benefits of Japanese Green Curtains

Leadership & Replication

Over 80% of cities in Japan were implementing Green Curtains by 2012, and as of 2017, there were 231 local governments and 130 elementary schools in Kyoto alone taking part in the Green Curtain movement.