Co-benefits
Emissions Gap Report 2019 published by the UN Environment Programme defines co-benefits as: ‘The positive effects that a policy or measure aimed at one objective might have on other objectives, without yet evaluating the net effect on overall social welfare. Co-benefits are often subject to uncertainty and depend on, among others, local circumstances and implementation practices. Co-benefits are often referred to as ancillary benefits.’
PAS 2080:2023 Carbon management in buildings and infrastructure, second edition, published by The British Standards Institution in March 2023, defines co-benefits as: ‘added benefits of decarbonization, above and beyond the direct benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NOTE Examples of co-benefits include, but are not limited to, reduced air pollution, increased resilience, reduced cost and risks, employment possibilities, security, social justice, nature restoration and regeneration, and biodiversity net gain.’
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