60APPROACH 3 Mainstream regenerative practices by measuring impact and quantifying natural, technical and social resources To mainstream regenerative practices in urban develop- ment, it’s crucial to quantify their performance indicators by developing 1) standardized measures for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity gains and climate resilience (embedded into policy and practice), 2) metrics that capture how resources are used and replenished across sectors and 3) the means to predict and monitor their financial and technical viability over the long term. Investors need clear, data-driven indicators to assess the economic, social and environmental returns of regenerative practices. Such indicators reduce investment risks and unlock capital for regenerative, nature-based solutions. Some examples of existing tools to measure and manage biodiversity gains include the Global Biodiversity Metric12 and the UK Government’s version 4.0 of the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric.13 More broadly, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has recently launched standards designed to enable companies to communicate to investors about the sustainability-related risks and opportunities they face over the short, medium and long term.14 By embedding measurable and data-driven bench- marks – such as carbon sequestration rates, urban cooling effects, air quality, ecological connectivity and soil regeneration – regenerative projects can demon- strate impact, drive policy alignment and scale adoption. While it's true that all data gathering and representations have limitations, quantifying the benefits and impacts of regenerative capacities strengthens investor con- fidence, supports performance-based financing and ensures that regenerative practices become a viable, mainstream strategy for building climate-adaptive and ecologically thriving cities. For comprehensive strat - egies on financing the urban nature transition, see the World Economic Forum’s January 2025 report, Nature Positive: Financing the Transition in Cities.NATURE FOR CATCHMENT LAUNCHPAD The Nature for Catchment Launchpad by Global Infra - structure Basel (GIB) integrates nature-based solutions into water management, as well as restoration of wetlands, forests and riparian zones to improve water filtration, aquifer recharge and flood resilience. The initiative tracks key metrics like biodiversity gains, carbon sequestration and cost savings for utilities and municipalities. A critical component of this effort is its emphasis on data-driven decision-making. The programme provides tools for measuring and tracking regenerative out - comes, ensuring that investors and policy-makers have clear metrics for water security, ecosystem health and climate adaptation. Moreover, the initiative cultivates cross-sector col- laboration by engaging municipalities, utilities and pri- vate-sector partners. By embedding performance-based financing models and aligning financial incentives with quantifiable regenerative benefits, the Launchpad helps scale NbS investments beyond individual projects, making nature-positive water management a mainstream approach in urban planning. APPROACH 4 Develop tools to assess a systems approach to urban development To achieve regenerative design and urban development, new tools must be developed to facilitate systems think - ing, considering resource flows and interdependencies, as well as collaboration across disciplines and sectors. These tools could model, measure, analyse, visualize and monitor the interconnectedness of urban systems. They may consider: 1. Resource flows (i.e. energy, water, waste) and material cycles (i.e. life cycle approaches through recycling and re-use) as part of a closed-loop system that restores, protects and regenerates ecosystems 2. The interdependencies between urban elements, such as green-blue and grey infrastructure, public services and spaces, housing quality, etc. 3. Ecosystem health (e.g. biodiversity, air, water and soil quality, etc.) 4. Public health, social networks, socioeconomic condi- tions, community initiatives and cultures For example, new digital twins can support practitioners in designing integrated systems that maximize benefits across regenerative scales – from buildings to biospheres – to meet today’s needs while continuously adapting to tomorrow’s challenges, demands and ways of living.AMARAVATI – DIGITAL TWIN IN INDIA The newly founded city of Amaravati, capital of Andhra Pradesh, a state in south-eastern India, uses a digital twin to drive regenerative urban development and eco- logical restoration. This virtual model simulates land use, biodiversity and water management to minimize environ- mental disruption and promote sustainable growth. By analysing resource flows and ecosystem interactions, it supports closed-loop systems for waste reduction, water conservation and energy efficiency. Although much of the new city is still under development, the digital twin is playing a key role in sustainable devel- opment by allowing planners to test different scenarios and predict environmental impacts before construction, ensuring that ecological disturbances are minimized. 61Launchpad Project in Kalampaka in the Thessaly Region in Greece. Getty Images Getty Images

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