Valuing Nature-Based Infrastructure Systems (NBIS) - Connecting the culm

The challenge

Nature-based infrastructure solutions (NBIS) are increasingly recognised for their ability to simultaneously address multiple challenges (such as biodiversity loss, climate resilience and human health inequalities) more adaptively and cost-efficiently than traditional “grey” infrastructures. For example, vegetated flood defences (rather than man-made structures) not only mitigate risks, but also enhance biodiversity, support mental and physical wellbeing and sequester carbon. They do this with lower material and energy inputs. 

However, with our help, the South West Infrastructure Partnership (SWIP - a neutral forum for regional infrastructure stakeholders) has diagnosed many barriers that currently prevent NBIS from becoming an established solution option. 

What we're doing

We will use the Connecting the Culm project as a place-based case study to work with diverse stakeholders from SWIP, Devon County Council, the National Trust, the Environment Agency, Blackdown Hills, Natural England, Network Rail, National Highways, and other groups to explore two novel analytical lenses for resolving these barriers and establishing the value and viability of NBIS. 

The first lens is a ‘value stack’ that links intended outcomes to achieved outcomes through a logical chain of processes spanning policy, legislation, standards, regulation, ownership/stewardship, skills, capabilities, finance, scheme design and construction, operation, maintenance and many other interdependent processes. A weakness in one process undermines the whole value stack, creating uncertainty and risk, and deterring investment.  

The second lens is exergy, which is the portion of energy that can be converted into useful work. Every natural, human, industrial, and economic process depends on exergy. Value stack processes are expressed in terms of exergy stocks and flows. Ecological economics has recently established a direct link between an exergy systems lens and economic output, including efficacy, efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. This lens opens the prospect of replicating manifestly successful natural ecological exergy system designs within the engineered infrastructure context. 

How it helps

Combining exergy and value stack lenses turns complex, long-term value into visible, traceable and investable propositions. Bringing stakeholders together to explore the value of NBIS in this way supports our ability to harness their power to meet society’s infrastructure needs while protecting, recovering and enhancing our environment. 

Investigators

• Dr Neil Carhart, School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering 
• Prof Colin Taylor (Emeritus), School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering 
• Dr Ges Rosenberg, School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering 
• Dr Qiujie Shi, School of Geographical Sciences 

Image credit: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0