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, with increasing challenges posed by climate change and urbanization. Green infrastructure has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff in urban areas. This thesis aims to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management through a comprehensive study that integrates theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical applications. The introduction provides a background to the study, highlighting the significance of sustainable stormwater management practices in urban environments. The problem statement underscores the current challenges faced in stormwater management and the potential of green infrastructure as a solution. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the performance of green infrastructure in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and enhancing urban resilience. The literature review in Chapter Two synthesizes existing studies on green infrastructure and stormwater management, covering topics such as types of green infrastructure, design considerations, performance assessment methods, and case studies of successful implementations. The review identifies gaps in the literature and sets the foundation for the empirical research conducted in this thesis. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including the study design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques employed. The methodology integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of green infrastructure in managing stormwater in urban contexts. Key components of the methodology include site assessments, monitoring of stormwater runoff, water quality analysis, and stakeholder interviews. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings from the empirical research, focusing on the performance of green infrastructure in reducing stormwater runoff volumes, improving water quality parameters, and enhancing urban sustainability. The results highlight the strengths and limitations of different green infrastructure practices, providing insights for future research and practical applications. The conclusion in Chapter Five summarizes the key findings of the study and their implications for urban stormwater management. The thesis concludes with recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners to enhance the integration of green infrastructure into stormwater management strategies, promoting sustainable and resilient urban environments. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and urban stormwater management, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers striving to address the challenges of urbanization and climate change in contemporary cities.