Added value in economic analyzes

As changes occur or are implemented, various costs and benefits arise. The positive effects that arise, in addition to the directly expected effects generated as a result of the measure, are generally called added value. In energy contexts specifically, these values are often referred to as Non Energy Benefits (NEBs) and thus relate to positive effects, in addition to energy effects, that arise as a result of the implementation of energy-efficient measures. .

Different types of added value can arise in the event of a change; direct economic values, environmental values and social values. By identifying, valuing and bring forward these values, a more true picture is created of the effects that arise, and its impact on all the dimensions of sustainability. Knowledge of emerging values can e.g. be used to evaluate investments, forecasting before investments are taken, to create a fair basis for agreements between different parties (eg when agreements are to be drawn up for symbiosis collaborations / collaborations for increased resource efficiency), or to create a basis for seeking funding for different investments by pointing out the different types of values that can arise.

At RISE, among others, we use the methods Social Return On Investment (SROI) and cost-benefit analyzes (CBA) to include added value in economic analyzes. These are generic methods that can be adapted to the system and the changes under study. The methods can also be adapted to cover different types of values. Through the methods, one can measure and follow up the effects of various efforts and changes, ie the effects are identified, quantified and, if possible, monetarily valued in the analysis.

At RISE, we develop and integrate the methods for new applications. They can e.g. be used to gain an increased holistic understanding of the values that arise in connection with resource-efficient collaborations between parties within an industrial and urban symbiosis network or related to energy investments in e.g. renewable and decentralized energy solutions, in digitization or in urban development processes.

Examples of projects where RISE has participated and where added value has been included in economic analyzes are: CORALIS which aims to develop and demonstrate sustainable solutions for industrial symbiosis, SIGURD which deals with the effects and values of urban investment and ERUDITE swhich is about expanding the digital innovations in rural areas and in cities.

Are you curious about collaborating with us at RISE in the area and want to increase your knowledge about the values that arise in connection with various changes and resource-efficient measures, you are welcome to contact us for a discussion!