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Landscape Architecture: Maximizing the Economic Benefits of Nature-based Solutions Through Design

Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ (Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ) Fund has released:

Landscape Architecture: Maximizing the Economic Benefits of Nature-based Solutions Through Design
  

BRIEF (PDF)

Authors

, PhD, Program Manager, Environmental Economics & Conservation Finance, , School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland

, Program Manager, Water Resources and Climate Adaptation, , School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland

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The Environmental Finance Center received a grant from the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Fund to develop this brief, which summarized findings from research literature, national and international reports, and 175 case studies.
 
The brief finds that landscape architects increase economic value through their approach to planning and designing nature-based solutions.

Their work on nature-based solutions creates economic benefits in five key areas:

• Improved Human Health and Livability
• Expanded Investment and Sustainable Jobs
• Increased Biodiversity
• Going Beyond Net-Zero
• Strengthened Resilience  

Highlights include:

• Nature-based solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs effectively manage stormwater. These features can be constructed for 5-30 percent less and maintained for 25 percent less than conventional gray infrastructure.
• Every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration returns $5 to $28 in benefits, depending on the ecosystem.
• Urban trees provide approximately $88 billion (US$ 2024) in carbon sequestration annually.
• Every dollar invested in parks and green space can generate between $4 and $11, due to increased tourism, improved property values, and enhanced community health.

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