The business case for natural infrastructure

NI can help companies harness the services that nature offers (ecosystem services) as a substitute to so-called gray infrastructure (such as dams and water treatment plants). In some cases, NI may provide more benefits than gray infrastructure, while fulfilling the same function, being equally efficient, and providing the same level of performance. Businesses increasingly realize that they depend directly or indirectly on environmental resources (or natural capital) in many ways, and are trying to preserve natural capital to reduce their exposure to risk. By investing in NI, they can reduce costs, improve operations, generate financial gains, or enhance their reputation.