
Nature-based infrastructure in cities is 42% less expensive on average than grey infrastructure and provides 36% more value when accounting for avoided costs and co-benefits like increased biodiversity, reduced air pollution, and improved well-being, according to a life-cycle study of the costs, benefits, and risks of 40 projects including urban green spaces, wetlands, green roofs, street trees, and stormwater infrastructure.
Bechauf, Ronja, Emma Cutler, Andrea M. Bassi, Liesbeth Casier, Michail Kapetanakis, Georg Pallaske, and Benjamin Simmons. “The Value of Incorporating Nature in Urban Infrastructure Planning.” International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2022. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-in-urban-infrastructure-planning