Assessment of the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure in 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. This thesis focuses on the assessment of the effectiveness of green infrastructure in managing stormwater in urban areas. Green infrastructure, which includes practices such as green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands, offers nature-based solutions to traditional stormwater management challenges. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of various green infrastructure practices in mitigating stormwater runoff, reducing flooding, improving water quality, and enhancing overall urban resilience. A comprehensive literature review is conducted to explore existing knowledge on green infrastructure applications in stormwater management, highlighting both the benefits and limitations of these practices. The research methodology involves a combination of field investigations, data collection, and analysis to assess the effectiveness of selected green infrastructure installations in an urban setting. Key parameters such as runoff volume reduction, pollutant removal efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are evaluated to provide a holistic understanding of the performance of green infrastructure in stormwater management. The findings of this study reveal important insights into the practical implementation and performance of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. The results demonstrate that green infrastructure can effectively reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and contribute to the overall sustainability of urban environments. However, challenges related to maintenance, scalability, and cost implications are identified as potential barriers to the widespread adoption of green infrastructure practices. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the significance of green infrastructure as a sustainable approach to urban stormwater management and emphasizes the need for integrated planning and design strategies to maximize the benefits of these nature-based solutions. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure effectiveness and provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners seeking to enhance stormwater management practices in urban areas. Keywords Green infrastructure, Urban stormwater management, Sustainable urban development, Nature-based solutions, Stormwater runoff, Water quality, Resilience.