Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban areas face increasing challenges in managing stormwater effectively due to rapid urbanization and climate change impacts. Green infrastructure has emerged as a sustainable approach to address stormwater management issues by utilizing natural processes to reduce runoff and improve water quality. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban areas for stormwater management, focusing on its benefits, challenges, and potential for widespread adoption. The research methodology involved a comprehensive literature review to explore the current state of green infrastructure practices in urban stormwater management. Various types of green infrastructure, such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales, were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing runoff, enhancing water quality, and providing multiple co-benefits to urban environments. Findings from the study revealed that green infrastructure plays a crucial role in mitigating stormwater issues by reducing peak flows, preventing flooding, and filtering pollutants from runoff. However, challenges such as limited space, maintenance requirements, and initial costs were identified as barriers to the widespread implementation of green infrastructure in urban areas. The discussion of findings highlighted the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning and design practices to create more resilient and sustainable cities. Policy recommendations were proposed to promote the adoption of green infrastructure through incentives, regulations, and public awareness campaigns. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to overcome existing barriers and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and climate-resilient urban environments. By harnessing the potential of green infrastructure, cities can effectively manage stormwater, enhance urban biodiversity, and improve overall quality of life for residents while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Assessment of the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban areas for stormwater management" aims to investigate the role and impact of green infrastructure solutions in managing stormwater in urban environments. Urban areas face significant challenges related to stormwater management due to increased impervious surfaces, which can lead to flooding, water pollution, and strain on existing drainage systems. Green infrastructure, including practices such as green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bioswales, offers sustainable and nature-based solutions to address these challenges. This research overview will delve into the key aspects of the project, including the background and rationale for the study, the research objectives, the methodology employed, the potential implications of the findings, and the significance of the study in the field of environmental management. The project will begin with an exploration of the current state of stormwater management in urban areas, highlighting the limitations of conventional grey infrastructure and the growing interest in green infrastructure as an alternative approach. The background of the study will provide context for the research by discussing the importance of sustainable water management practices and the potential benefits of incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning and design. The primary objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of various green infrastructure practices in mitigating stormwater runoff and improving water quality in urban settings. Through a comprehensive literature review, the project will evaluate existing research and case studies related to green infrastructure implementation, performance monitoring, and best practices for stormwater management. The research methodology will involve a combination of quantitative analysis, field observations, and modeling techniques to evaluate the performance of selected green infrastructure interventions in real-world urban environments. Data collection will include monitoring stormwater runoff quantity and quality, assessing the functionality of green infrastructure components, and analyzing the cost-effectiveness of these solutions compared to traditional stormwater management approaches. The findings of the study are expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, identifying key factors that influence performance and sustainability. The discussion of the results will address the implications for urban planning, policy development, and future research directions in the field of environmental management. Overall, this research project will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and its role in creating more resilient and sustainable urban environments. By assessing the effectiveness of green infrastructure solutions for stormwater management, the study aims to inform decision-makers, planners, and stakeholders on the benefits of incorporating nature-based approaches into urban water management strategies.