SERVES

SERVES (Simple and Effective Resource for Valuing Ecosystem Services) is the foundation of our work to quantify and value the benefits nature provides. By dramatically simplifying the calculation of economic values for natural capital and the ecosystem services it generates, SERVES fills an essential role in the transition to a sustainable economy. Specifically, it offers a reliable, scalable source for data to support decision making that more fully values nature. 

SERVES combines an extensive and extensible database of methodologically sound monetary estimates for the value provided by natural capital, each associated with a detailed set of biophysical and social contexts (e.g., climate, elevation, proximity to urban areas). The SERVES database allows us to calculate values for a wide range of ecosystems and ecosystem services at local and global scales. With SERVES, broad-based valuations can be completed with an unrivaled speed and rigor—weeks or months, rather than years. This makes it possible to respond efficiently, pragmatically, and effectively to requests by policymakers, business leaders, or community-based partners.

Built by experienced software professionals with backgrounds at Amazon, IBM, Expedia, and Microsoft, managed by a team of ecological economics experts, and informed by Earth Economics’ 25 years of experience in natural capital valuation, the database is constantly updated to keep on the latest research of this rapidly evolving field. Our multi-stage review and tracking process ensures consistency, accountability, and auditability across analyses.

SERVES has supported some of our most important accomplishments, including working with FEMA to include non-market ecosystem service benefits in its benefit-cost analysis tool for hazard mitigation (2013, 2016 and 2022), supporting large bond measures for green infrastructure, the nomination of a new national marine sanctuary in Alaska, and successful lawsuits to compensate Indigenous groups for environmental damages.

Here are recent examples of how SERVES has helped Earth Economics to meet client needs:

Natural Capital of the Elephant Hill Wildfire Area (2023)

Nature's value in the Salish Sea (2022)

Benefit-Cost Analysis of Best Management Practices in the Blue River Watershed of Oklahoma (2022)

As of 2023, SERVES includes valuation estimates for the following regions:

To ensure appropriate use, SERVES is accessible by Earth Economics team members only. Contact us today to learn how we can apply SERVES to fit your needs.