Assessment of Green Infrastructure for Urban Stormwater Management

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, particularly in the face of increasing urbanization and climate change impacts. Green infrastructure has emerged as a nature-based solution to address stormwater issues while providing additional environmental and social benefits. This thesis focuses on the assessment of green infrastructure for urban stormwater management, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability. The study begins with a comprehensive review of the literature on green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, and related concepts. Various types of green infrastructure practices, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bioswales, are examined in terms of their design, performance, and benefits. The literature review also explores the existing policies, regulations, and planning frameworks that support the implementation of green infrastructure in urban areas. In the research methodology chapter, a mixed-method approach is adopted to collect and analyze data on green infrastructure projects in urban areas. The data collection methods include site visits, interviews with stakeholders, surveys, and data analysis of stormwater management performance. The research methodology also involves assessing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of green infrastructure implementation. The findings chapter presents a detailed discussion of the results obtained from the assessment of green infrastructure projects. The performance of different green infrastructure practices in managing stormwater runoff, reducing pollution, and enhancing urban biodiversity is analyzed. The challenges and barriers to the widespread adoption of green infrastructure in urban areas are identified, along with recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. In the conclusion and summary chapter, the key findings of the study are summarized, and the implications for urban stormwater management and sustainability are discussed. The significance of green infrastructure as a nature-based solution for addressing urban stormwater challenges is highlighted, along with the need for integrated planning and collaboration among stakeholders. Recommendations for future research and policy development in the field of green infrastructure for urban stormwater management are provided. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and its role in enhancing urban resilience and sustainability. By assessing the performance and impacts of green infrastructure practices in urban stormwater management, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners seeking to promote sustainable urban development practices.