Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical component of sustainable urban development, particularly in the face of increasing urbanization and climate change. Green infrastructure strategies offer innovative and nature-based solutions to manage stormwater runoff and mitigate the impacts of urbanization on water quality and quantity. This thesis presents an assessment of various green infrastructure strategies for urban stormwater management, focusing on their effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities for implementation in urban areas. The study begins with a comprehensive review of existing literature on green infrastructure and urban stormwater management, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in urban environments. Various types of green infrastructure, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bioswales, are explored in terms of their design, performance, and benefits for stormwater management. A mixed-method research approach is employed to investigate the application of green infrastructure strategies in urban areas. The research methodology encompasses a combination of quantitative data analysis, field surveys, case studies, and stakeholder interviews to assess the performance and challenges of green infrastructure implementation in urban stormwater management. The findings of the study reveal the effectiveness of green infrastructure strategies in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, enhancing urban aesthetics, and promoting biodiversity in urban environments. However, challenges such as high initial costs, maintenance requirements, regulatory barriers, and lack of awareness among stakeholders are identified as barriers to the widespread adoption of green infrastructure. The discussion of the findings delves into the potential solutions to overcome these challenges and enhance the implementation of green infrastructure strategies for urban stormwater management. Policy recommendations, best practices, and lessons learned from successful case studies are presented to guide future decision-making and planning processes in urban water management. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the significance of integrating green infrastructure strategies into urban planning and design to achieve sustainable stormwater management practices. By harnessing the benefits of green infrastructure, cities can mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization on water resources, enhance resilience to climate change, and create healthier and more livable urban environments for present and future generations.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Green Infrastructure Strategies for Urban Stormwater Management" aims to evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of utilizing green infrastructure solutions in managing stormwater in urban environments. Urban areas face numerous challenges related to stormwater management, including increased impervious surfaces, limited green spaces, and a higher risk of flooding. Traditional stormwater management practices often involve the use of grey infrastructure such as concrete drain systems, which can be costly, energy-intensive, and environmentally damaging. Green infrastructure offers an alternative approach that utilizes natural systems and processes to manage stormwater, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and vegetated swales. These nature-based solutions have the potential to reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, enhance urban biodiversity, and provide additional social and economic benefits to communities. The research will begin with a thorough review of existing literature on green infrastructure strategies for stormwater management, highlighting key concepts, case studies, and best practices in the field. This literature review will inform the development of a research methodology that includes data collection, analysis, and evaluation of green infrastructure projects in urban areas. The project will focus on assessing the performance of green infrastructure strategies in terms of stormwater quantity and quality management, cost-effectiveness, social acceptance, and long-term sustainability. Data will be collected through field surveys, interviews with stakeholders, and analysis of monitoring data from existing green infrastructure projects. The findings of the research will be discussed in detail, addressing the strengths and limitations of green infrastructure strategies in urban stormwater management. Recommendations for improving the design, implementation, and maintenance of green infrastructure projects will be provided based on the research outcomes. Overall, this project seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure solutions for urban stormwater management and provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in sustainable urban development. By promoting the adoption of green infrastructure strategies, cities can enhance their resilience to climate change, improve water quality, and create more livable and sustainable urban environments for current and future generations.