Implementation of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, aiming to minimize the negative impacts of stormwater runoff on the environment and public health. Traditional stormwater management practices often involve the use of grey infrastructure, such as pipes and concrete channels, which can be costly and have limited effectiveness in addressing water quality and quantity issues. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the benefits of green infrastructure in stormwater management, which utilizes natural systems to capture, infiltrate, and treat stormwater. This thesis focuses on the implementation of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, with a specific emphasis on its effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities. The research begins with an introduction to the topic, providing background information on the importance of sustainable stormwater management and the need for alternative approaches. The problem statement highlights the limitations of traditional stormwater management practices and the potential of green infrastructure to address these challenges. The objectives of the study are to assess the performance of green infrastructure in managing stormwater, identify the key barriers to its implementation, and propose strategies to promote its adoption in urban areas. The study acknowledges the limitations of the research, such as constraints in data availability and site-specific factors that may influence the outcomes. The scope of the study includes a comprehensive review of literature on green infrastructure and stormwater management practices to provide a theoretical foundation for the research. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the body of knowledge on sustainable stormwater management and its potential impact on urban planning and environmental policy. The structure of the thesis consists of several chapters, including an introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. The definition of terms clarifies key concepts used throughout the thesis to ensure a common understanding among readers. The literature review chapter examines existing studies on green infrastructure, stormwater management practices, and their implications for urban areas. The research methodology chapter outlines the approach taken to collect and analyze data, including case studies, surveys, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the study, including an evaluation of the performance of green infrastructure in managing stormwater, an analysis of the barriers to its implementation, and recommendations for future research and policy development. In conclusion, this thesis highlights the importance of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management and its potential to enhance the resilience of cities to climate change and urbanization pressures. By promoting the adoption of green infrastructure, cities can improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and create more sustainable and livable urban environments.