In the quest for sustainable urban development, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have emerged as a promising strategy for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Yet, despite their potential, the practical implementation of these solutions has been hindered by a lack of tools for estimating their costs throughout their entire life cycle. A recent study published in the journal *Valori e Valutazioni* (which translates to *Values and Evaluations*) by Giulia Datola of the Dipartimento di Architettura e Studi Urbani (DAStU) at the Politecnico di Milano aims to bridge this gap by proposing the use of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as a tool to hierarchical represent and describe NBS.
Datola’s research focuses on the application of WBS to estimate the overall life-cycle costs of NBS designed for urban water management, specifically Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the WBS method in providing an analytical economic evaluation tailored to the specific characteristics of each solution. “The modular and flexible structure of the WBS method makes it a general reference model that can be applied and adapted to different project contexts,” Datola explains. This adaptability is crucial for the energy sector, where the integration of NBS can enhance resilience and sustainability.
The study highlights the importance of estimating costs across the entire life cycle of NBS to ensure their sustainable implementation and management. By providing a detailed description of interventions and a clear classification of cost items, the WBS method improves both the planning and management of economic resources for these solutions. This approach can significantly impact the energy sector by offering a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of NBS, thereby facilitating their wider adoption and integration into urban climate adaptation strategies.
The research underscores the relevance of NBS in supporting the transition towards more resilient and sustainable cities. As Datola notes, “Estimating costs across the entire life-cycle of NBS is essential for their sustainable implementation and management.” This insight is particularly valuable for the energy sector, where the integration of NBS can enhance resilience and sustainability.
The study’s findings have implications for future developments in the field. By providing a robust tool for cost estimation, the WBS method can help overcome the barriers to the adoption of NBS, paving the way for more sustainable and resilient urban environments. As the energy sector continues to explore innovative solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation, the insights from this research will be invaluable in shaping future strategies and investments.
In summary, Datola’s research offers a significant contribution to the field of sustainable urban development by providing a practical tool for estimating the costs of NBS. The WBS method’s flexibility and adaptability make it a valuable asset for the energy sector, where the integration of NBS can enhance resilience and sustainability. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the insights from this research will be crucial in shaping the future of urban development and energy strategies.