Lake Michigan Dashboard: Valuing Benefits Framework

Framework for Valuing the Economic Benefits of Nature-Based Stormwater Resilience Projects

This guidance provides a framework and methods for quantifying and valuing the multiple benefits of nature-based solutions, focusing specifically on green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and coastal resilience projects that improve water quality and/or help to reduce localized or coastal flooding.

The framework is organized in three sections:

1. Section 1 provides an overview of GSI and nature-based resilience projects, describes the importance of understanding the benefits of these projects, and introduces common benefit valuation approaches.
2. Section 2 describes the key steps in conducting an economic analysis of the benefits and costs of nature-based resilience projects
3. Section 3 provides more specific guidance and methods for valuing key benefits, including flood risk reduction, water quality improvements, enhanced recreational opportunities, habitat and biodiversity, carbon reduction, and economic development.

Download the framework.