Natural Capital Accounting 

When planning a development, we consider the value of purchasing the land, buildings, materials, labour, and infrastructure. But what about the value of the natural features already on the property? 

Trees, wetlands, soils, waterways, and other natural features provide benefits that can save money, support communities, and improve the long-term value of a property. 

These natural resources and systems are known as natural capital. 

Natural Capital Accounting is a way of identifying, measuring, and tracking these natural assets and the benefits they provide. It helps us better understand the environmental, social, and economic value of a property, beyond its purchase price or development potential. 

Rather than treating nature as empty space waiting to be developed, natural capital accounting recognizes that the land may already be doing valuable work. 

This approach is supported by the United Nations' System of Environmental-Economic Accounting and the Natural Capital Protocol, which provide internationally recognized methods for understanding the connections between nature and economic decisions.