< Back to previous page

Publication

Performing a social cost-benefit analysis for ecological verge management in Flanders

Book - Report

Subtitle:LNE/AMNE/ME/2009- 1/TWOL200800106
The study "social cost-benefit analysis for ecological verge management in Flanders" aims to gain insight into the difference in costs and benefits of ecological verge management compared to non-ecological verge management (the reference situation). To this end, five SCBA case studies have been developed of 4 roadside verges along motorways and 1 verge along a regional road. In terms of ecotope type, there were 2 combination types, 1 grassy verge and 2 woody verges.

The study and design assignment for these locations had to answer the following questions:
- What are the costs and benefits of ecological verge management? Which cost items are the most important and which benefit categories are the most important? Are there any additional costs compared to the reference situation? What does ecological verge management bring to society; in other words, what are the social benefits? And how can we quantify these benefits and express their values in monetary terms?
- What are the determining factors for these cost and benefit items? How do costs and benefits vary in relation to a number of variable parameters, such as the location, the surface area and orientation of the verge, the type of road along which the verge is situated, the way in which the verge cuttings are removed and processed, etc.?
Number of pages: 168
Publication year:2011
Accessibility:Open