Economic Framework and Tool for Quantifying and Monetizing the Triple Bottom Line Benefits and Costs of Green Stormwater Infrastructure

The Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Benefit Cost Framework and Tool (Tool) provides stormwater practitioners with a systematic approach for quantifying and monetizing the financial, social, and environmental benefits of GSI at the community, watershed, or neighborhood scale. The Tool leads users through each step of TBL-based benefit cost analysis, from establishing a baseline, to applying appropriate economic valuation methods, and comparing benefits and costs over time. The resources developed for this project include a research-based report that documents the key economic principles upon which the Tool is based and provides detailed methods and considerations for assessing 12 different categories of GSI co-benefits. The report is accompanied by an Excel-based Tool and guidance document that provides data, information, and calculations that allow users to assess the TBL benefits and costs of alternative GSI stormwater management options. The Tool also provides summary and graphic representations of results. The Tool and associated resources were developed for The Water Research Foundation.