New Brunswick Communities Can Contribute Local Data to Improve Understanding of the Benefits of Green Infrastructure Projects
Press Release
Moncton, NB—August 11th, 2025—In January 2024, the New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN) launched its Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) Tool for Nature-based Climate Approaches (NbCA) on its Natural Infrastructure NB website. This online tool was developed to help Atlantic Canadian municipalities utilize green infrastructure (GI) to create sustainable and climate-resilient communities. The tool builds on the World Bank's framework for assessing the benefits and costs of GI, adapting it to the context of New Brunswick and other Atlantic provinces. The tool and User Information Guide (available here) can assist in completing the online exercise, estimating benefit-cost ratios to support community decision-making, and helping communities understand the benefits of nature-based infrastructure solutions not found in conventional grey infrastructure.
As demonstrated in a survey the NBEN conducted in 2023/2024, most would favour a nature-based infrastructure project that takes longer to implement than a conventional one but is more resilient to the effects of climate change. The BCA Tool is an important asset to help move these solutions forward. As such, the NBEN has developed an additional feature allowing those working on the design and implementation of NbCA to enter their project data into the BCA Tool’s three reference tables: the monetary value of the NbCA benefits, the costs of NbCA, and the costs of grey infrastructure.
“By essentially creating this crowdsourcing tool, we hope to have more local and national data to help refine the estimates and improve the accuracy of the results generated by the BCA tool,” said Charles Thibodeau, NBEN’s NbCA Program Coordinator.
The BCA Tool guides users through a detailed financial analysis comparing a traditional “grey” infrastructure project (such as a riprap rock wall used to protect shorelines), to its “green” equivalent (such as a “living shoreline” approach, which uses plants and other natural materials to stabilize shorelines and reduce erosion). The tool involves several steps and may require multiple attempts to fully grasp its data needs. Therefore, the NBEN also plans to develop a simpler version in the future, making it accessible to a broader audience so they too can understand the advantages of NbCA.
“We’re also looking at adding other NbCA categories to cover more types of infrastructure projects and natural asset management options,” added Charles.
If you’re interested in nature-based and green infrastructure solutions, the NBEN’s Natural Infrastructure NB website offers more information. You can explore a wealth of resources, including detailed guides and case studies, and access the BCA tool, which was developed with funding from Infrastructure Canada and the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund. This platform is designed to empower municipalities and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective and sustainable environmental projects while increasing climate resiliency. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, the website is a gateway to innovative strategies that harmonize with natural ecosystems while addressing climate challenges. Dive in to discover how your community can benefit from these transformative approaches.
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About the New Brunswick Environmental Network
The New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN), established in 1991, is a communication network that links together over 100 non-profit environmental organizations. The role of the NBEN is to improve communication and co-operation among environmental groups and between these groups, government, and other sectors. The NBEN provides educational opportunities for its member and associate groups and encourages the growth of the environmental movement in New Brunswick. The NBEN is not an advocacy group and does not take positions on any issue. Learn more at www.nben.ca.
Media Contacts
Eleanor Willner-Fraser, Communications Manager, New Brunswick Environmental Network
[email protected]
Charles Thibodeau, Nature-based Climate Approaches Program Coordinator, New Brunswick Environmental Network
[email protected]
