Guide: How to use the CBA Guide

 

Methodology

The content of this Guide is based on a literature review and analysis of publicly available Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) tools, conducted by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The algorithm developed to select the most suitable CBA tools is based on a scoring system where the tools included in the Guide get the more scores the better they match the criteria chosen by the user. Additionally, the Guide provides links to relevant data sources as well as guides and case studies, to support users in applying the selected CBA tool effectively.

 

How to navigate the guide

The user has to complete the questionnaire to identify the most suitable CBA tools for their needs. More specific answers will result in more tailored recommendations.

All questions need to be answered by making drop-down selections in the grey-highlighted cells. No typing is required. Each filter corresponds to one of the following guiding questions:

  • What do you want to do?
  • Are you interested in mitigation or adaptation projects?
  • Which sector would you like to focus on in your activity?
  • What benefits would you like to include in the CBA?
  • What type of national or local data do you have available?
  • What resources are you going to use for the activity?
  • What is the amount of your resources available for the activity?

 

Note: To receive both a first-best and second-best tool recommendation, users must complete all selections, including the two resource-related questions at the bottom.

Once all fields are selected, the recommended tools will automatically appear in the green-highlighted "First-best tool" and "Second-best tool" table. The Guide offers an overview of the recommended tools under the questionnaire.

 

This Guide highlights key data needs as per the recommended tools (based on previous answers – sector, selected benefits, etc.), and lists the types of data required. If key data is not readily available in the municipality, the Guide suggests sources (both within the guide and externally) to support cities. The links and data tables provided in the Guide are for guidance purposes. Users must consult each tool's documentation for exact requirements and ensure all data used is local, current and fit for purpose.
 

Note:

  • In some cases, links to data sources may be missing due to limited availability. However, many tools provide default values that can be used when project-specific data is not accessible.
  • This Guide helps identify the most suitable tools but users are responsible for carrying out their own cost-benefit analysis using the recommended tools and data. Users are encouraged to use the most up-to-date, highest-resolution data available. The data provided in this tool serve as an additional resource when no better source is accessible.