Download: The Economic Value of Green Infrastructure (PDF)
In recent years, thinking on green infrastructure has moved from ecology to economics. Resources such as the countryside, coast, wetlands, urban parks, street trees and their ecosystems are seen as critical for sustainable economic growth and social goals, not just a way of supporting wildlife and ‘the environment’.
This publication is the result of a partnership between the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Natural England. Together they commissioned reports by ECOTEC and AMION, designed to help practitioners make the case for investment in green infrastructure through joint programmes such as Natural Economy Northwest and regional parks.
This summary sets out the many benefits of green infrastructure and the way in which it can underpin the success of other economic sectors, offering an improved environment, jobs, sustainable business enterprises, social benefits, economic security and cost savings. These savings include a reduced need for healthcare, better employee productivity and better adaptation for climate change.
The summary also shows how more credible and consistent tests and measures are being developed to assess the value of green infrastructure projects. It emphasises, too, that green infrastructure is dynamic – it must be strategically planned for, invested in and managed at local and regional level, if it is to function in underpinning and providing for a prosperous and sustainable economic future.
This management requires in-depth understanding of the role green infrastructure plays throughout our everyday lives, and of the need for co-ordination and co-operation across political, sector and administrative boundaries.
Dr Will Williams Programme director Natural Economy North West
Natural Economy Northwest is a joint programme of NWDA and Natural England to place the natural environment at the heart of the Northwest’s future prosperity.