Developing an Integrative Ecosystem Services Framework 

The integrative framework development is being led by Nathaniel Springer, Research Scientist, Amy Waananen, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Aaron Hanson, Energy Program Specialist, from the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment. 

The information contained on this page has been provided by this team. 

What are we creating? 

We are developing an integrative framework for evaluating biophysical and sociocultural ecosystem services associated with solar site selection, design, and management. This framework will provide robust guidance to measure the ecosystem co-benefit potential of solar developments. By integrating biophysical metrics (e.g., water quality, soil health, and biodiversity), sociocultural services (e.g., sense of place, visual character, and spiritual significance) within a stakeholder engagement process, the framework aims to support sustainable and inclusive decision-making about solar development. 

What have we evaluated? 

In late 2024, the project team concluded conducting a landscape assessment of existing ecosystem services frameworks, tools, and related resources used in academia, government, industry, and communities. Each framework was cataloged with key characteristics, such as ecosystem services included, technical capabilities, and range of applicability. These insights will inform the design of an ecosystem services tool framework tailored to Midwestern solar projects. 

What methods are we using? 

1. Landscape Assessment: Identifying and evaluating existing tools and frameworks to highlight their strengths, limitations, and relevance to solar development decisions. 

2. Catalogue of Design Choices: Summarizing possible framework design options, including essential characteristics that determine user-friendliness and functionalities for different stakeholder needs. 

3. Co-Design with Stakeholders: Engaging with host communities, Tribal Nations, regulators, and solar developers to identify their priorities and preferences for the framework design. This includes the language in which ecosystem services are described, the process the framework outlines for stakeholder engagement, and the existing tools the framework integrates. 

4. Framework Construction: Synthesizing findings into a framework that incorporates biophysical and sociocultural considerations, supported by preliminary results from physical, modeling, and cultural research efforts. 

Framework Development

What will the results be?

• An ecosystem services framework that incorporates physical and sociocultural considerations, validated and refined through stakeholder engagement.
• Outreach materials summarizing existing frameworks and design choices to support stakeholder collaboration.

A set of decision-support tools that fit within the framework and prioritize transparency, usability, and integration for equitable solar development decision-making.

The aim of this integrative framework is to ensure that solar siting decisions align with ecological and cultural priorities while providing actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels.