The Water-Hydropower-Agriculture Tool for Investments and Financing (WHAT-IF) tool is a computer-based model developed for economic assessment of water infrastructure (e.g. reservoirs, irrigation, water supply, energy production) within the water-energy-food nexus. The key objective of the tool is to maximize economic welfare considering nexus’ trade-offs, such as crop and power markets and trade, as well as exogenous climate change and socio-economic drivers. Therewith, the tool enables to solve synergies and tradeoffs between those sectors and provides the user with nexus-optimized water infrastructure solutions based on the comparison of different scenarios.

Sector(s): Water and Sanitation
Lifecycle Phase(s): Strategic PlanningPublic authorities identify the needs and long-term vision for infrastructure development., FinanceDevelopers decide how to pay for their project.
Type(s) of Tool: Economic / Financial ValuationsAnalyses the economic/financial value and risks related to projects.
Organization: Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), COWIfonden

The WELL Building Standard assesses and rates the performance of buildings in delivering spaces that enhance human health and wellbeing. Thereby, the tool aims to support buildings and organizations in delivering more thoughtful and intentional spaces by setting performance standards for design interventions, operational protocols and policies and a commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness. The tool rates buildings’ performance using individualized, point-based scorecards depending on the use and occupational structure of the building (owner-occupied or rented).

Sector(s): Health, Buildings
Lifecycle Phase(s): Project PlanningGeneral strategy for a project’s delivery is developed., Concept DesignTechnical experts broadly outline the project’s basic characteristics., Detailed DesignTechnical experts further elaborate the Concept Design., ConstructionThe asset is constructed in line with design, budget and timeline., Operation and MaintenanceInfrastructure assets are managed and maintained during their use time.
Type(s) of Tool: Rating SystemsProvide quantifiable sustainability ratings and / or certification for projects or assets.
Organization: International WELL Building Institute

The Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) is modelling tool that supports decision-making in integrated water management at the local or small watershed scale. The tool models the environmental effects and costs of management decisions at the watershed context, considering water flows and quality. WMOST serves to screen a wide range of potential water resource management options for their cost effectiveness, environmental and economic sustainability, including consideration of different climate scenarios. A theoretical documentation report and a user guide support application.

Sector(s): Natural Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation
Lifecycle Phase(s): Strategic PlanningPublic authorities identify the needs and long-term vision for infrastructure development., Project PlanningGeneral strategy for a project’s delivery is developed., Concept DesignTechnical experts broadly outline the project’s basic characteristics., Detailed DesignTechnical experts further elaborate the Concept Design., Operation and MaintenanceInfrastructure assets are managed and maintained during their use time.
Type(s) of Tool: Modelling ToolsSimulate economic, social, and physical systems to help planners optimize outcomes from different decisions.
Organization: Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America - EPA

The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) sets out the World Bank’s commitment to sustainable development through a Bank Policy and a set of environmental and social standards that enable borrowers to better manage environmental and social risks of projects and to improve development outcomes. The tool offers an assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts of projects throughout the project life cycle in a systematic manner proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and the potential risks and impacts. Since 2018, the framework applies to all World Bank investment project financing.

Sector(s): Tools applicable to all sectors
Lifecycle Phase(s): PrioritizationAuthorities decide which projects to realize and how to allocate resources., Project PlanningGeneral strategy for a project’s delivery is developed., Concept DesignTechnical experts broadly outline the project’s basic characteristics., ProcurementThe provision of goods and services to realize a project are tendered and closed., FinanceDevelopers decide how to pay for their project., Detailed DesignTechnical experts further elaborate the Concept Design., ConstructionThe asset is constructed in line with design, budget and timeline.
Type(s) of Tool: GuidelinesOperationalize sustainability principles, less specific than Benchmarks or Rating Systems.
Organization: The World Bank Group