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Spatial evaluation of the multiple benefits of sustainable drainage systems

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Morgan, M 
Fenner, RA 

Abstract

Traditional approaches to understanding the multiple benefits of sustainable drainage systems often rely on value transfer. This converts each benefit into a monetary value, which can then be compared with the cost of the project. The approach, while well-developed, is limited because it does not systematically incorporate the spatial nature of the benefits. This paper discusses the development of an alternative way of evaluating and comparing benefits, allowing spatial distribution and local context and circumstances to be taken into consideration. The suggested approach is to create a score for each benefit category, which is normalised against a defined initial condition state on a scale of 0 to 10. This approach allows a direct comparison of the relative magnitude of benefits for a given location and provides a clear understanding of how and to whom multiple benefits accrue. The approach allows a singular significant benefit to be compared against many minor benefits. It can also easily be modified to reflect local preferences by weighting each benefit category appropriately. The method is demonstrated by three case studies in Newcastle, UK.

Description

Keywords

Sustainable Drainage Systems, green infrastructure, multiple benefits

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Water Management

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1741-7589
1751-7729

Volume Title

Publisher

ICE Publishing
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/K013661/1)
This research was performed as part of an interdisciplinary project programme undertaken by the Blue-Green Cities (BGC) Research Consortium (www.bluegreencities.ac.uk) The BGC Consortium is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council under grant EP/K01366 1/1, with additional contributions from the Environment Agency and Rivers Agency (Northern Ireland) and National Science Foundation