Recognizing the value of nature
“As biological creatures, we depend on natural capital and its ecosystem services to sustain the health and well-being of our families and communities. But these benefits are often taken for granted by decision-makers on land-use issues,” says Dr. Faisal Moola, Science Director of the Suzuki Foundation.
City of Nelson adopts ‘Path to 2040 Sustainability Strategy’
“A large number of individuals in the community worked very hard over the last nine months to produce this plan. It is both a visionary statement and a practical tool that will guide decision-making as we move forward,” stated Kim Charlesworth.
Natural Capital in BC’s Lower Mainland: Valuing the Benefits from Nature
Report examines the extent of natural capital — forests, fields, wetlands and waterways — in BC's Lower Mainland region and estimates non-market economic values for some of the benefits these ecosystems provide.
A Guide to Green Choices: Ideas & Practical Advice for Land Use Decisions in Britsh Columbia Communities
“The guide is meant to assist communities of all types: large, small, rural, resort-based, urban, and suburban. It is designed to help maximize both creativity and adaptability to varied scales, specific contexts, and changing on-the-ground conditions,” stated Dr. Laura Tate. “A key theme in A Guide to Green Choices is the notion of integration. It stems from a belief that the solid efforts already being made could be even stronger if they work together in the right direction — not at cross-purposes.”
“The Plan for the Future” guides enhancement of web-based Water Balance Model
Released in November 2009, ‘Water Balance Model for Canada – The Plan for the Future’ is a comprehensive document that will guide tool enhancement over the next three years. “In Alberta, the Water for Life Strategy and Land Stewardship Act provide a framework for efforts that will help Alberta achieve a better balance between economic growth and environmental / social values,” stated Liliana Bozic. “Water for Life and the Land Stewardship Act promote sustainable use of water resources in Alberta.”
Water Balance Model now resides within the ‘Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia’, a non-profit society
“Formation of the society is a pivotal milestone in the history of the WBM. Over the years, various people have asked us who owns the WBM. Now when we answer ‘the Partnership owns it’, it will be crystal clear to everyone that the Partnership is in fact a legal entity. This evolution is important to our funders becauses it increases our ability to obtain grants for ongoing enhancement of WBM capabilities,” stated Ted van der Gulik.
Voodoo Hydrology explained by Andy Reese
Andy Reese (120p)
The article is provocative in pointing out that some methodologies can be used to obtain any number of “correct” answers. This approach contrasts with a compilation of current and acceptable state of the practice.
Integrated Rainwater Management: Move to a Levels-of-Service Approach to Sustainable Service Delivery
The link between asset management and the protection of a community’s natural resources is emerging as an important piece in Sustainable Service Delivery. “Asset management usually commences after something is built. The challenge is to think about what asset management entails BEFORE the asset is built. What level does a community wish to provide, and what level can it afford. Everyone needs to be thinking in terms of life-cycle costs, especially future recapitalization of the investment. This is not normally considered in traditional infrastructure decision-making,” stated Stan Westby.
Calculating the Green in Green: What’s an Urban Tree Worth?
Gail Wells – science writer
New research by the Pacific Northwest Research Station demonstrates that street trees increase home prices, that shade trees reduce household energy use, and that these effects can be measured and expressed in dollars.
Water Balance Model facilitates adaptive management approach to implementation of alternative green infrastructure techniques
“The WBM allows the user to quickly establish the existing, or the predevelopment, base line that will become the standard used to measure the performance of future development scenarios during the planning and design of a project. This allows the user to test various methods to establish the easiest and best ways to achieve the most desirable vision of the future for the Site, the Development, or the Watershed,” stated Jim Dumont.