Demonstrating and Monetizing the Multiple Benefits from Using SuDS

Abstract

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) measures provide a wide range of benefits beyond simply dealing with stormwater. In the United Kingdom such measures are termed sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). There are a number of tools and procedures for assessing the benefits provided, some of which give a monetized bottom line. A U.K. project led by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) has reviewed the available knowledge and techniques for valuing GSI and other benefits, and from this developed a new freely available valuation tool, known as the Benefits of SuDS Tool (BeST). This has been further developed to include spatial and temporal planning for the incremental implementation of a portfolio of SuDS over time and in extent. The tool is now being used in various countries for scenario planning to assist decision makers to explore future options and their relative robustness and flexibility over time. Case studies are presented from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to illustrate the use of the tool and methods developed.