Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development as cities continue to face challenges posed by increasing urbanization and climate change. The use of green infrastructure as an alternative approach to traditional stormwater management practices has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential environmental and social benefits. This thesis aims to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management by examining its performance in mitigating stormwater impacts and enhancing urban resilience. The research begins with a comprehensive review of existing literature on green infrastructure and urban stormwater management to establish a solid theoretical foundation. The methodology involves a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including site assessments, surveys, and data analysis, to evaluate the performance of green infrastructure installations in managing stormwater within urban areas. Findings from the study reveal the varying effectiveness of different types of green infrastructure in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and enhancing overall urban sustainability. The discussion delves into the key factors influencing the performance of green infrastructure, such as design considerations, maintenance practices, and stakeholder engagement. The conclusion highlights the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning and design practices to achieve more sustainable stormwater management outcomes. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners to enhance the implementation and effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and its role in promoting sustainable urban development. By evaluating the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, this research aims to support informed decision-making and policy development towards more resilient and sustainable cities in the face of increasing urbanization and climate change challenges.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management" focuses on evaluating the impact and effectiveness of green infrastructure in managing stormwater within urban areas. Urbanization has led to increased impervious surfaces, resulting in higher volumes of stormwater runoff and associated pollution. Green infrastructure, which includes measures such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales, offers nature-based solutions to mitigate these issues. The research aims to provide an in-depth analysis of how green infrastructure practices can help address stormwater management challenges in urban environments. The study will investigate the performance of various green infrastructure techniques in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, enhancing urban biodiversity, and providing multiple co-benefits such as urban heat island mitigation and aesthetic improvements. Key aspects to be explored in the research include the background and rationale for implementing green infrastructure, the specific problems and challenges associated with stormwater management in urban areas, the objectives of the study which include assessing the effectiveness of different green infrastructure practices, the limitations and scope of the research, the significance of the study in contributing to sustainable urban development, and the structure of the thesis. Through an extensive literature review, the project will critically analyze existing studies, best practices, and case studies related to green infrastructure and stormwater management. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge in the field and identify gaps that the research seeks to address. The research methodology will involve a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including field assessments, hydrological modeling, water quality analysis, and stakeholder interviews. Data collection will focus on measuring the performance of green infrastructure installations in real-world urban settings and evaluating their effectiveness in managing stormwater and improving environmental quality. The discussion of findings will present the results of the research, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with different green infrastructure strategies. It will also explore the implications of the findings for urban planning, policy-making, and the future design of sustainable cities. In conclusion, the study will summarize the key findings, draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, and provide recommendations for enhancing the implementation and adoption of green infrastructure practices in urban areas. By evaluating the performance of green infrastructure solutions, this research aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable urban water management practices and promote the integration of nature-based solutions in urban planning and design.