All Articles About Ecosystem Services

Report: New Business Decision-Making Aids in an Era of Complexity, Scrutiny, and Uncertainty

Linda Hwang, Former Manager, Research; Sissel Waage, Director, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Kit Armstrong, Senior Advisor, BSR

As ecosystem services is emerging as a potential category of corporate performance metrics, tools to support corporate decision-making are being launched. This new report summarizes the findings of the world’s first comparison of multiple ecosystem services assessment tools within one pilot application. The full report can be downloaded here and supplementary materials are available here. Read more →

Posted: May 23, 2011 | Topics: Ecosystem Services, Environment | Download (PDF)

BSR Insight Article: Measuring Corporate Performance in an Era of Complexity, Scrutiny, and Uncertainty: Emerging Tools Look at Business Impacts on Ecosystem Services

By Linda Hwang, Manager, Research, Sissel Waage, Senior Advisor, and Kit Armstrong, Senior Advisor, BSR

Read the related report on corporate ecosystem services tools. Read more →

Posted: May 17, 2011 | Topics: Ecosystem Services

BSR Insight Article: WBCSD’s New Guide to Corporate Ecosystem Valuation

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s “Guide to Corporate Ecosystem Valuation” helps business leaders understand the value and benefits of ecosystem services such as fresh water, food, fiber, and natural hazard protection. They can use this data to manage risks and opportunities and make more informed decisions that align financial, ecological, and societal objectives. Read more →

Posted: May 10, 2011 | Topics: Ecosystem Services, Environment, Strategy & Integration

BSR Insight Article: Measuring Environmental Performance: The Business Case for New Tools

Linda Hwang, Former Manager, Research Sissel Waage, Director, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

For years, environment and natural resource managers have been tracking individual parameters linked to air pollution, water, and energy consumption. Specific indicators are identified, measured, and trends tracked. Private, public, and nonprofit organizations have been diligently measuring water used, greenhouse gases emitted, waste averted or recycled, and many other individual metrics. Yet, academic, nonprofit, and public sectors are now placing greater attention on ecological systems. A set of tools to help companies take a systems approach is evolving, but to achieve significant uptake, the business case for these tools needs to be clearly demonstrated. BSR’s Environmental Services, Tools & Markets (ESTM) Working Group is working with member companies to define and articulate this case. Read more →

Posted: October 26, 2010 | Topics: Community Engagement & Development, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Energy, Environment, Food, Beverage & Agriculture, Mining, Stakeholder Relations

BSR Insight Article: Managing Risks and Opportunities of Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Degradation

Elissa Goldenberg, Associate, Advisory Services

A new study entitled The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) outlines the business risks and opportunities related to biodiversity. It also explores consumers' changing preference for environmentally friendly products; describes new initiatives and tools that enable businesses to measure, value, and report on their ecosystem impacts; and examines new business models that deliver biodiversity benefits. Read more →

Posted: July 20, 2010 | Topics: Ecosystem Services, Environment