ERDC/EL CR-14-1 "Measuring Environmental Value in Nonmonetary Terms: A Review of Common Practices and Elements"

This review was undertaken to address concerns raised by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regarding the value of projects authorized to improve environmental quality. Value gained from present resource use can typically be measured in monetary terms. More controversial -and prohibited by Corps policy -is the monetary measurement of the nonuse value gained by deferring present-day use in favor of leaving a heritage for future generations. Environmental value is commonly indicated by the objectives of government legislation and by non-government mission statements and bylaws. The value added by objective achievement is indicated by many different, incomparable metrics, which often do not differentiate use value from nonuse value. The Corps is an exception because federal policy requires water resources agencies to quantify benefits and costs in monetary terms when acceptable and in nonmonetary terms when monetary measurement is not acceptable. This includes heritage value recognized as important by the Corps in key environmental legislation, and by certain conservation NGOs. Key elements of natural heritage value include resource security from extinction, resource distinctiveness, risk of investment failure, and costs. These elements may provide a basis for comprehensively indicating the value added by ecosystem restoration done by the Corps. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR.