Multidimensional Valuation of Trees at Thompson Rivers University: An Ecological, Cultural, and Socio-Economic Exploration

Authors

  • Kris Kadaleevanam Thompson Rivers University

Keywords:

air pollution removal, biodiversity, campus sustainability, carbon sequestration, carbon storage, ecosystem services, green infrastructure, stormwater management, sustainability planning, tree valuation, urban forest

Abstract

This study investigates the ecosystem services provided by the 1,806 trees on the TRU campus, focusing on their economic, environmental, and social contributions. Through established methodologies, the research quantifies key ecosystem services, including carbon storage and sequestration, stormwater management, energy savings, and aesthetic benefits using benchmarked valuation techniques. Using field data, the total appraisal value of the campus trees was determined to be ~ $34.3 million CAD, with an annual ecosystem service yield at the minimum of ~ $343,000 CAD. The analysis revealed carbon storage values ranging from 361 to 542 tons, contributing $61,404 to $92,106 CAD, and annual carbon sequestration of 5.4 to 54 tons, valued at $910 to $9,211 CAD. The total air pollution removed by campus trees was estimated to be 64 kg/year, corresponding to an economic value of approximately $4,620 CAD/year. Stormwater interception was calculated at 3,066 m³ annually, yielding cost savings of $7,970 CAD by reducing the burden on stormwater infrastructure. Energy savings, derived from reduced heating and cooling demand, added $15,942 CAD annually, while aesthetic contributions, measured through hedonic pricing, amounted to $76,297 CAD per year. While the primary focus is on quantifiable benefits, the research acknowledges the broader role of the forest in enhancing biodiversity, supporting cultural values, and fostering mental well-being.

This research provides a framework for understanding the value of urban forests in academic settings and highlights the need for proactive policies to sustain and enhance these benefits. The findings serve as a resource for decision-makers and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on integrating green infrastructure into campus planning and sustainability initiatives.

Author Biography

Kris Kadaleevanam, Thompson Rivers University

Kris Kadaleevanam is an Economics major at Thompson Rivers University with a strong interest in applied econometrics, environmental economics, and public policy. His research focuses on how economic tools and data analysis can be used to address real-world challenges, particularly those related to sustainability and community development.

Kris currently serves as a Teaching Assistant for statistics and economics courses, where he supports students through tutorials and applied learning. He is also the co-author of In the Shadow of the Hills: Socio-Economic Struggles in Kamloops, a book published by TRU Open Press that explores local economic issues through a policy-oriented lens.

He has held several leadership roles, including serving as President of the TRU Economics Students’ Association. He is currently a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council and participated in the Bank of Canada Governor’s Challenge, where he worked on macroeconomic forecasting and policy analysis.

Kris plans to pursue graduate studies with a focus on econometrics, aiming to develop advanced quantitative skills to support evidence-based economic research and policy evaluation.

 

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Published

2025-06-25

How to Cite

Kadaleevanam, K. (2025). Multidimensional Valuation of Trees at Thompson Rivers University: An Ecological, Cultural, and Socio-Economic Exploration. Future Earth: A Student Journal on Sustainability and Environment, 1(1). Retrieved from https://publishing.bceln.ca/index.php/future-earth/article/view/661