Suzhou Creek runs through the heart of Shanghai. Prior to its rehabilitation, the creek was so polluted it was referred to as the river of ‘black and stink’. This transformational investment project comprised a series of integrated components, including urban renewal, solid waste management and wastewater management to improve both the water quality and the urban environment in Shanghai. 

Waters Economics team members were responsible for providing the economic and financial justification to secure project funding. Over the implementation period, they reviewed project performance against social, poverty, economic, financial and governance objectives. 

The Waters Economics team developed innovative approaches to valuing environmental improvement in Cost benefit analysis (CBA). Furthermore, the rehabilitation of the Creek and the surrounding areas has been so successful that the project has been held up as best practice in China and elsewhere.

Main image by Daniel Case

Core Techniques

Valuation of Intangibles | Cost Benefit Analysis | Performance Management