A CBA maps both the economic value and the hard-to-quantify values such as contribution to biodiversity, well-being, employment, regional economic activity, and happiness, creating a comprehensive picture. This allows for better decision-making at the financial, planning, and administrative levels.

A CBA is a cross-sectoral assessment tool that visualizes the social impact of a (spatial) plan for stakeholders (government, businesses, and citizens). Both short-term and long-term benefits are considered and expressed as a financial value (€). This allows for choices that create the most value for the (living) environment. 

This provides substantiation of the short- and long-term effects of a proposed plan. Alternatives can also be compared. Sustainable projects often require investments that pay off in the long run through ecological and social values. A CBA can help identify and quantify long-term benefits, such as energy savings, reduced environmental damage, and improved quality of life.