What Earth Economics does

Earth Economics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental economics research organization founded in Tacoma, Washington around 2000. The firm quantifies the monetary value of ecosystem services to support land use, infrastructure, conservation, and investment decisions by government agencies, tribes, conservation organizations, impact investors, and community-based groups. Its core services include ecosystem services valuation, benefit-cost analysis consistent with FEMA and SEEA EA frameworks, natural capital accounting, business case development, and tailored workshops.

The firm's technical foundation is built on a curated database of more than 10,000 ecosystem service values drawn from 25 years of peer-reviewed research, used to power function transfer valuation models across diverse geographies. It has developed custom analytical tools including the Nature-Based Solutions Benefit-Cost Calculator for DC Green Bank, the Soil Health and Quality Valuation Tool (SHAQ) for Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT, the Seattle Water Reuse Calculator, and the Roadless Rules interactive dashboard. The technology stack relies on GIS-based spatial analysis, Python, and web application development rather than proprietary AI/ML models.

Earth Economics generates revenue through a mix of foundation grants (Kresge Foundation since 2013, The Conservation Alliance, Ingrid Rasch Legacy Fund), government contracts (FEMA, NRCS, Washington State RCO), nonprofit engagement fees, individual donations, and tailored workshop fees. Go-to-market is sales-led and partnership-driven, with the Director of Partnerships actively scoping engagements across federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit channels. Since 2013, the firm has been a strategic partner to FEMA in modernizing benefit-cost analysis for disaster mitigation, contributing to the inclusion of nature-based solutions in national policy and tools.

Name

Earth Economics

Legal name

Earth Economics

Website

https://eartheconomics.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Earth Economics is a Tacoma-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that quantifies the monetary value of ecosystem services and provides benefit-cost analysis to government agencies, tribes, conservation NGOs, and impact investors to inform nature-based investment decisions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Economics Consulting

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (1153)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital Assessment / Valuation (EUAHAHAI)

Keywords

• Ecosystem services valuation
• Natural capital accounting
• Benefit-cost analysis
• Environmental economics consulting
• Nature-based solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Tacoma

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants and Support: Earth Economics receives philanthropic support from foundations like Kresge Foundation (Climate Resilience and Equitable Water Systems initiative since 2013), The Conservation Alliance, and others. The Ingrid Rasch Legacy Fund provides technical assistance to one nonprofit per year.
2. Contract Research and Analysis Services: Project-based consulting fees from government agencies (FEMA, NRCS), tribes, nonprofits, and organizations seeking ecosystem valuation, benefit-cost analysis, and business case development for nature-based solutions.
3. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, with employer matching programs available. Charity Navigator has awarded Earth Economics a Three-Star Rating for financial management and organizational effectiveness.
4. Workshop and Training Fees: Tailored workshops offered to organizations to help apply data and science for nature-based solutions, including business case development and funding navigation services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Earth Economics is a nonprofit environmental economics research organization that quantifies and values the benefits nature provides to people, communities, and organizations. It delivers ecosystem services valuation, benefit-cost analysis, and natural capital accounting services to government agencies, tribes, conservation nonprofits, and impact investors, supported by a proprietary database of over 10,000 ecosystem service values and custom data tools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ecosystem Services Valuation Custom valuation analyses that quantify the monetary value of ecosystem services to guide land use, infrastructure, conservation, and investment decisions for government agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and organizations.
• Benefit-Cost Analysis Analysis that expands traditional benefit-cost equations beyond basic financials to reveal nature's economic power and impact on human wellbeing, including FEMA-compliant benefit-cost analyses for disaster mitigation projects.
• Natural Capital Accounting Accounting services consistent with the SEEA EA framework that include nature on balance sheets for more complete asset assessment by organizations and government agencies.
• Business Case Development Data-driven case building services to help organizations secure funding and support for nature-based solutions and green infrastructure initiatives.
• Data and Tools Custom datasets and tool development services, including the Seattle Water Reuse Calculator, interactive dashboards, and bespoke calculators for clients seeking ecosystem services valuation tools.
• Workshops Tailored training workshops offered to organizations to help apply data and science for nature-based solutions, including business case development and funding navigation services.
• Partnerships Technical assistance, research, and innovation partnerships with government agencies, Tribes and First Nations, community organizations, and businesses for nature-based solution projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• H2Ohio wetland restoration returns $8 for every $1 invested, producing $300 million in annual benefits
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• The Nature Conservancy in OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Collaboration on H2Ohio program economic analysis, finding that wetland restoration generates more than $300 million in economic benefit. Every $1 invested returns $8 in value to the public through clean water, flood protection, and recreation benefits. Report supported advocacy for program funding as budget decreased from $270 million to $165 million.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2013, Earth Economics has helped FEMA modernize how disaster mitigation benefits are evaluated. Developed economic frameworks, valuation methods, and standardized ecosystem service values that enabled natural systems to be included in benefit-cost analyses. Shaped national policy and tools.
• Groundwork USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to evaluate economic benefits of microforest projects across Groundwork affiliates in Yonkers NY, Elizabeth NJ, and Providence RI. Analysis found microforests return up to $13 for every $1 invested. Work supported by Kresge Foundation.
• Harpeth ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerValuation of isolated wetlands in Tennessee's Duck River watershed, finding 6,525 acres of small isolated wetlands provide $18.5 million in benefits annually for over 1.8 million Tennessee residents. Data being used in conversations with legislators and state agencies.
• The Everglades FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted economic assessment of Everglades ecosystems showing $31 billion in annual value and $1.01 trillion asset value. First in-depth analysis of services produced by Greater Everglades ecosystems, providing foundation for future research and restoration advocacy.
• Ohio River Basin Alliance (ORBA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-level valuation of ecosystem co-benefits in the Ohio River Basin with funding from Kresge Foundation. Found 68 million acres of natural ecosystems produce $50 billion in annual benefits, supporting ORBA's Restoration Plan and Ohio River National Program Office advocacy.
• Land Trust for Santa Barbara CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated to produce 'Thriving Open Spaces Support Healthy Economies: Nature's Value in Santa Barbara' revealing $2.96 billion in annual value from open spaces, with $138.9 billion asset value over a century.
• Indiana Forest AlliancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerValuation of public benefits from proposed expansion of Charles Deam Wilderness and Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area, finding $235 million in annual public benefits. Work funded by The Conservation Alliance.
• DC Green BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to strengthen green infrastructure landscape in Washington DC by quantifying full value of nature-based solutions. Developed NBS Metric Framework and Benefit-Cost Calculator for investment decisions. Seven sites generated $1.3M in annual community benefits.
• Green CompassmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDC developer leveraging Stormwater Retention Credit trading program to build green infrastructure projects. Earth Economics quantified their projects generating $7.80 in value for every $1 invested, enabling access to DC Green Bank capital.
• The Pew Charitable TrustsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in State Resilience Planning Group at University of Georgia with 20 states, academics, and private sector partners. Panel discussion on monetizing and communicating resilience benefits of Nature-Based Solutions.
• Network for Engineering with NatureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed webinar on ecosystem services, benefit-cost analyses, and storytelling for Nature-Based Solutions with Glen Delaney and Carson Risner presenting valuation methodologies.
• Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnalysis of South Fork Toutle River restoration benefits with support from Ingrid Rasch Legacy Fund. Found $78 million in ecosystem service benefits over 30 years for $30 million investment, supporting $21 million in wages and nearly 400 jobs.
• Bluewing Civil ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSupported ecosystem services analysis for Lower Vermillion Watershed water control alternatives in Louisiana, assessing development scenarios under updated federal Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines.
• Headway EnvironmentalminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnered with Earth Economics and Bluewing Civil Consulting for Lower Vermillion Watershed analysis, assessing ecosystem services values under alternatives for water control structures and levee systems.
• Vermilion Soil and Water Conservation DistrictminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnered with Earth Economics, Bluewing Civil Consulting, and Headway Environmental for Lower Vermillion Watershed analysis, finding Full Protection scenario had benefit-cost ratio of 1.61.
• Columbia Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2024 Ingrid Rasch Legacy Fund recipient. Backyard Habitat Certification Program with Bird Alliance of Oregon. Over 12,000 participants planted over 900 native plants, providing $5 million in public benefits annually.
• Tacoma Tree FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2023 Legacy Fund recipient. Community Tree Program in McKinley Hill planted 228 street trees, generating $2.67M in ecosystem services over 25 years, $6.59 return per $1 invested.
• Amigos de los RiosminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2022 inaugural Legacy Fund recipient. Partnership to measure impact of greening schools, with benefit-cost analysis of Green School projects revealing public cost savings and co-benefits of green infrastructure investments.
• Iroquois Valley Farmland REITcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped Soil Health and Quality Valuation Tool (SHAQ) to track regenerative outcomes across farm portfolio. Quantified soil quality improvements supporting portfolio monitoring, investor communications, and internal decision processes.
• Farmland LPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with USDA funding to create comprehensive impact reporting for agriculture. $12.9 million in ecosystem services value generated from regenerative practices; conventional management would cause $8.5 million in environmental costs.
• Agriculture CapitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnalysis of blueberry farm regenerative practices found over $3 million in ecosystem services over the following decade. Findings used in 2019 Impact Report to communicate economic value of regenerative practices.
• StreetWellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaltimore community-led investor using Impact Real Estate Portfolio to revitalize properties. Earth Economics quantified green infrastructure benefits generating $2 million in ecosystem services over 25 years, $7 return per $1 invested.
• LISC JacksonvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to value co-benefits from park and waterfront improvements in historically Black community. $3 million in non-market benefits over 25 years, $3.15 return per $1 invested.
• The Wilderness SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted webinar for Earth Economics presentation on roadless area ecosystem services analysis. Analysis included in Congressional Record at House Committee on Natural Resources hearing.
• Seattle 2030 DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to develop Water Reuse Calculator helping property owners make economic case for rainwater and greywater capture and reuse systems, supporting 2030 Challenge and Living Building Pilot Challenges.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-year partnership producing two studies on rangeland ecosystem services. Central Great Plains study found $15-33 million in ecosystem service improvements (2008-2016); Western Range study found $78-214 million in improvements (2011-2020).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Conservation International: Global conservation organization that conducts economic valuation of nature and has influenced major frameworks including the TEEB study. Operates in adjacent space to Earth Economics on ecosystem services valuation for conservation policy and finance, with significant international reach and corporate partnerships.
• World Resources Institute (WRI): Global research nonprofit with established programs in natural capital, ecosystem services valuation (e.g., Global Restoration Initiative, Water Risk Atlas), and corporate sustainability. Comparable to Earth Economics in producing ecosystem valuation analyses and policy frameworks, but with far larger headcount and broader programmatic scope.
• AECOM Environment Practice: Global infrastructure and environmental consultancy with a large practice providing ecosystem services valuation, natural capital assessments, and benefit-cost analysis for infrastructure and resilience projects. Comparable to Earth Economics in serving FEMA and similar clients with BCA for nature-based solutions, but with vastly larger staff, geographic reach, and integrated engineering capabilities.
• The Trust for Public Land: National conservation nonprofit that conducts economic analyses of parks, open space, and conservation investments, including urban green infrastructure benefits. Comparable to Earth Economics in producing benefit-cost analyses for conservation and urban greening projects, but with broader programmatic scope across land acquisition and park funding.
• ERM (Environmental Resources Management): Global environmental consultancy with a large Sustainability and Natural Capital practice serving corporate clients with ecosystem valuation, biodiversity accounting, and nature-related financial disclosure services. Compares to Earth Economics in offering natural capital valuation methodology but at global consultancy scale across corporate, financial, and government clients.
• Trucost (S&P Global Sustainable): S&P Global's environmental data and natural capital valuation business providing corporate-level natural capital and ecosystem service valuation to investors and large enterprises. Overlaps with Earth Economics' natural capital accounting offering but at much greater scale and with a corporate/investor focus rather than government/tribal/NGO.

Emerging players

• Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC): Nonprofit consortium developing protocols and markets for agricultural ecosystem services credits (soil carbon, water quality, biodiversity). Overlaps with Earth Economics on the agricultural ecosystem valuation and MRV side, particularly with regenerative agriculture tools like SHAQ, but focused on credit market infrastructure rather than standalone valuation consulting.
• Daventry Group: Specialized economics consultancy providing natural capital, ecosystem services, and biodiversity valuation to corporate, government, and NGO clients. Closely comparable to Earth Economics in methodology, client types, and project types, though smaller and with a different geographic footprint.
• Resource Environmental Solutions (RES): Environmental restoration and mitigation firm that applies ecological and economic frameworks to design and deliver nature-based infrastructure projects for public and private clients. Overlaps with Earth Economics on the benefit-cost analysis and natural capital side of nature-based solutions, but RES is primarily a restoration implementation company.

Direct peers

• Natural Capital Project (NatCap): Stanford-, University of Minnesota-, and WWF-partnered research initiative that develops the InVEST ecosystem services modeling software and conducts ecosystem services valuation globally. Directly comparable to Earth Economics in offering ecosystem services valuation and natural capital accounting for government, NGO, and conservation clients.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EarthEconomics
• Facebookfacebook.com/EarthEconomics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/earth-economics

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles26 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Earth Economics