NICE- NBS PORTFOLIOS

This document presents the NICE Project’s “Comprehensive Portfolio of Innovative Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)”, a practical reference guide showcasing water-related NBS technologies for sustainable wastewater and stormwater management. It explains how climate change, freshwater scarcity, rising treatment costs, and energy demands are increasing the need for low-carbon, resource-efficient alternatives to conventional wastewater treatment. The portfolio positions NBS—such as treatment wetlands, rain gardens, green roofs, floating wetlands, and living walls—as cost-effective, biodiversity-supporting systems that can improve resilience while reducing environmental impact.

The report is designed primarily for policymakers and decision-makers, providing a structured catalogue of NBS case studies with technical, ecological, and operational information. Each portfolio entry includes details such as construction and operating data, ecosystem services, urban circularity benefits, location, climate context, efficiency, and reuse potential. It also evaluates projects using the CICES ecosystem services framework and a circular economy lens focused on urban resource recovery and reuse.

The document includes a large collection of real-world examples across multiple categories, including domestic and industrial wastewater, runoff, greywater, sewage sludge, and landfill leachate treatment, making it a practical toolkit for selecting tailored NBS approaches.

Magdalena Gajewska (GUT)

Email: mgaj@pg.edu.pl