I've lived in an apartment building with grassy shrubs on the facade, I liked it! They were a low-maintenance species, and had automated irrigation in the soil

I've lived in an apartment building with grassy shrubs on the facade, I liked it! They were a low-maintenance species, and had automated irrigation in the soil so nether me or the building owner had to touch them. I wouldn't be surprised if they're a net environmental cost, but the cost has to be small compared to the overall impact of the building construction, and they have other benefits. The plants look nice from inside and outside, provide a bit of privacy without blocking too much light, and deaden road noise.