Assessment of Green Infrastructure for Urban Stormwater Management

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development. With increasing urbanization and climate change impacts, traditional grey infrastructure approaches are proving inadequate in mitigating the adverse effects of stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure, which mimics natural hydrological processes, has gained recognition as a sustainable alternative for managing stormwater in urban areas. This thesis presents an in-depth assessment of green infrastructure for urban stormwater management, focusing on its effectiveness, challenges, and implications for sustainable urban planning and design. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The study aims to address the gap in understanding the practical implementation and performance of green infrastructure in managing urban stormwater. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review that examines existing research on green infrastructure for stormwater management. The review covers ten key areas, including the principles of green infrastructure, types of green infrastructure practices, benefits and challenges, case studies, policy frameworks, and best practices in implementation. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the research design, data collection methods, sampling strategies, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. The chapter also discusses the selection criteria for case studies and the evaluation criteria for assessing the performance of green infrastructure projects. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings from the research, including the assessment of green infrastructure projects in urban areas. The chapter analyzes the effectiveness of different green infrastructure practices in managing stormwater, explores the challenges faced in implementation, and discusses the implications for sustainable urban development. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for urban stormwater management, and providing recommendations for future research and policy development. The study underscores the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning and design practices to enhance stormwater management, improve water quality, and promote urban resilience to climate change impacts. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure for urban stormwater management by providing valuable insights into its practical application, challenges, and benefits. The findings of this research can inform policymakers, urban planners, and designers in making informed decisions to promote sustainable stormwater management practices in urban areas.