The Nature-Based Solutions Assessment Tool (NaBSAT) calculates a full suite of benefits provided by nature-based solution and ecosystem restoration projects. NaBSAT assesses ecosystem services and functions, providing valuable, detailed metrics that document project effectiveness.
The NaBSAT methodology is robust and can be used to assess any project that involves land use and land management changes within a defined project footprint.
How NaBSAT quantifies impact
Using a combination of simulation model analyses (daily time steps using long-term climatic data) and empirical relationships, NaBSAT predicts the impact of the project, quantified under five main themes:
Water Quantity
- Runoff
- Groundwater Recharge
- Stream Baseflow
- Evapotranspiration
Water Quality
- Sediment and Erosion
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
Air Quality
- Forest Carbon
- Soil Carbon
- Wetland Carbon
Biodiversity / Habitats
- Habitat Area by Type
- Species Richness
Socio-economics
- Economic Impact
- Jobs Supported
Reporting & analytics
Sample reporting: carbon sequestration, species habitat richness, and project comparison metrics
Ecosystem services valuation
NaBSAT applications:
Frequently Asked Questions
Nature-Based Solutions are sustainable management and restoration practices that utilize natural processes to address environmental challenges such as water quality issues, water insecurity, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and land management. Nature-based solutions projects work with nature rather than against it to meet project goals while supporting local ecosystems and communities. Nature-based solutions can be small, such as a backyard rain garden, or large, such as the restoration of a hardwood forest and enhancement of a forested floodplain.
EPR is a recognized leader in implementing NBS projects, having successfully restored over 250 miles of streams and more than 2,000 acres of wetlands, significantly improving biodiversity, water security, and land value. We maintain strong relationships with state and federal agencies and are passionate about the environment and what we do. We are client-focused and will work to ensure your goals are achieved.
NaBSAT, our Nature-Based Solutions Assessment Tool, quantifies and summarizes changes in a full suite of environmental metrics resulting from project implementation, providing clear, data-driven guidance to maximize your project’s impact and return on investment. NaBSAT evaluates environmental uplift and impacts from projects under five major themes: water quality, water quantity, air quality (carbon sequestration), biodiversity and habitat, and socio-economics.
Yes, NaBSAT evaluates changes as a result of project implementation, and changes can be positive or negative. By reporting a full suite of environmental metrics, NaBSAT can be used to compare project alternatives to identify the approach that best meets project goals and avoids unintended outcomes.
No, one of the primary goals of developing NaBSAT was to evaluate project alternatives, prior to project implementation, providing assurance to our clients that their project investments would best meet their intended goals. NaBSAT can be used at any project stage, from conceptual approach to after project implementation.
NaBSAT evaluates change in land use or land management. When a resource is being conserved or protected in its current state, NaBSAT can be used to compare the preserved condition to a future condition in which the land may not be conserved. For example, NaBSAT has been used to evaluate the ecosystem functions provided by a wetland preservation site relative to the degraded functions that would result if the wetland were drained for agricultural production. Thus, NaBSAT documents the value of preservation and conservation as the benefits and functions that the site would lose if converted to a different land use.
Yes, data provided by NaBSAT supports comprehensive reporting aligned with major sustainability disclosure frameworks, including GRI, CDP, and IFRS, helping your organization transparently meet compliance requirements and communicate sustainability achievements.
You can easily begin by booking an introductory call or filling out our contact form. Our experts will guide you through initial consultations to determine your specific needs and outline the benefits and next steps for your project.
Yes, NaBSAT has received a detailed evaluation by the ISOS Group, Inc. and has been provided a moderate level type 2 Independent Assurance Statement following the AA1000 assurance standard.