Evaluating the Role of Green Infrastructure in Urban Flood Mitigation Using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (INVEST) Urban Flood Risk Model.

Abstract

Urban areas face increasing flash flood risks due to climate change and urbanisation. This thesis evaluates the role of green infrastructure in mitigating urban floods using the InVEST Urban Flood Risk Mitigation Model, which determines the amount of rainfall retained and running off the urban land cover for varying intensities of single rain events. Through comparative case studies of Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Luton, in the UK, the research assesses the flood mitigation capacity of greenspaces under differing urban form designs. The results indicate that green infrastructure significantly reduces surface runoff and enhances urban resilience to flooding, with varying effectiveness across the three towns. The findings offer valuable insights into sustainable urban practices and enhance our understanding of flash flood risk management in real-world scenarios.