Glic was appointed by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) to analyse its extensive portfolio of work over the last five years to understand its economic, social and environmental contributions.

The project would be the first time the organisation had assessed its activities across all three pillars.

Our team used tailored qualitative and quantitative methodologies to produce a comprehensive review of RBGE’s impacts across ten diverse areas of focus: operations; visitors and tourism; capital projects; fundraising; education and training; community outreach and engagement; arts; science and collections; horticulture; climate, biodiversity and natural capital.

Using bespoke analysis methodologies and national survey data, we produced an evaluation of RBGE’s net direct, indirect and induced economic impacts at local, national and international levels, along with a cost benefit analysis to establish a retrospective value for money. We analysed a broad range of outputs, including revenue generation, job creation and tourism impacts.

To review RBGE’s social impacts, Glic identified and categorised over 650 activities against best practice, academic review and Scottish National Outcomes. We supplemented this analysis through primary engagement with stakeholders, employees and volunteers and desk-based research to provide evidence of the organisation’s impacts for wider audiences.

We also produced an estimate of the net impacts of RBGE’s work on the climate, environment and biodiversity, calculating the organisation’s carbon footprint, on-site carbon storage, and carbon sequestration at the national and international level.

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Glic produced a comprehensive report of all findings, collaborating with RBGE to ensure it suitably detailed the organisation’s extensive activities, successes and impacts.

The findings evidence RBGE’s contribution to the delivery of Scottish Government outcomes, and the soft power held by the institution at a UK policy level.

Our final report was accompanied by a concise executive summary report and visual summary, enabling RBGE to demonstrate these contributions easily to stakeholders, policymakers, and prospective investors.