top of page
Allison Fagerson

Introducing 1000 Gretas' Newest $1K Grantee: Manuel Benitez Ruiz and Plantaer




We are thrilled to announce that Manuel Benitez Ruiz, founder of Plantaer, is the newest recipient of 1000 Gretas $1,000 grant. Manuel’s innovative approach to integrating nature with urban infrastructure promises to transform our cities into sustainable ecosystems. Learn more about his groundbreaking work at www.plantaer.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Inspired by Nature, Driven by Innovation

Manuel’s journey began with a frustration rooted in his civil engineering background. He was disheartened by the absence of nature-based solutions in construction. This led to a revolutionary idea: growing plants on concrete, the most utilized resource globally after water. Once he demonstrated the feasibility of this concept, Manuel recognized its immense environmental potential for urban areas and humanity at large. With a vision for a greener future, he took it upon himself to turn this idea into reality, rather than waiting for someone else to take the lead.

Vision for a Greener Future

Manuel envisions cities transformed by living concrete technology into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems. Imagine urban landscapes where buildings and streets are alive with plants, purifying the air, reducing heat, and enhancing biodiversity. By embedding organisms into our infrastructure, Plantaer aims to turn urban spaces into active contributors to sustainability, effectively lowering carbon footprints and capturing CO2.

With this technology, people will have the opportunity to choose building materials based on the plants that resonate with them, fostering a new era of vibrant, resilient cities where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

Revolutionizing Construction with Biodiversity-Supporting Building Materials

Plantaer is set to revolutionize the construction industry by introducing building materials that support biodiversity. This innovative approach not only addresses the pressing need for sustainable urban development but also paves the way for a future where our cities contribute positively to the environment.



Join Us in Celebrating Manuel Benitez Ruiz and Plantaer

We are honored to support Manuel and Plantaer with this grant and look forward to witnessing the impact of his work. By investing in innovative solutions like Plantaer's living concrete technology, we move one step closer to creating sustainable, nature-integrated urban environments.

Stay connected with Manuel's journey and the evolution of Plantaer by visiting www.plantaer.com and following him on LinkedIn. Together, we can build a future where our cities are not just places we live but thriving ecosystems that support life in all its forms.

bottom of page