Combining Revealed and Stated Preference Methods to
Value the Presence and Quality of Environmental Amenities
Dietrich Earnhart *
University of Kansas
Department of Economics
University of Kansas
213 Summerfield Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-2866
Earnhart@ukans.edu
ABSTRACT

This paper combines an established revealed preference method, discrete-choice hedonic analysis, and a relatively new stated preference method, choice-based conjoint analysis, in order to estimate more accurately the aesthetic benefits generated by the presence and quality of environmental amenities associated with residential locations. It applies the combined approach to the housing market of Fairfield, CT, which contains several environmental amenities and is experiencing an improvement in the quality of its coastal wetlands. This combined approach proves especially useful for measuring the aesthetic benefits of environmental amenities in an urban or suburban setting and assessing the increased aesthetic benefits from improved wetland quality.