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- Info
Economic modeling for large-scale urban tree plantings
| Author: |
McPherson, E. Gregory |
| Date: |
1991 |
| Periodical: |
In: Vine, E; Crowly, D.; Centolla, P, eds. Energy Efficiency and the Environment: Forging the Link. Whashington, DC: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy |
| Abstract: |
Large-scale urban tree planting is advocated to conserve energy and improve environmental quality, yet little data exist to evaluate its economic and ecologic implications. This paper describes an economic-ecologic model applied to the Trees for Tucson/Global ReLeaf reforestation program. The program proposes planting 500,000 desert-adapted trees before 1996. The computer simulation accounts for planting locations, planting rates, growth rates, and mortality rates when projecting average annual benefits and-posts. Projected net benefits are $236.5 million for the 40 year planning horizon. The benefit-cost ratio and internal rate of return for all trees is 26 and 7.11, respectively. Trees planted in parks are projected to provide the highest benefit-cost ratio (27) and trees along residential streets the lowest (2.2). Tree removal costs are the most important management expense and sir conditioning energy savings provide the greatest benefits. Average annual cooling energy benefits per tree are projected to be 227 kWh ($16.34) for evapotranspirational cooling and 61 kWh ($4.39) for direct shade. Ninety-seven percent (464 lb) of the total carbon conserved annually per mature tree is attributed to reduced power plant emissions. |
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