Green lanes for stormwater management in Glasgow

Abstract

The urban water management in Glasgow faces challenges due several reasons. The average annual rainfall of 1500 millimetres along with retro grey infrastructure contributes to the challenges. The proliferation of impermeable surfaces in urban areas worsens the problem of stormwater runoff. This paper examines the capacity of green lanes as nature-based strategies for achieving sustainable stormwater management in Glasgow. Green lanes, implemented through the use of soil and water bioengineering techniques, have a vital function in reducing flood hazards, preserving water resources, retaining soil nutrients, and purifying stormwater. The study is in line with broader initiatives such as the Urban Water Agenda and the European Green Deal, which highlight the importance of sustainable management of water in urban areas. Stakeholders and city councils in Scotland prioritize sustainable water management, biodiversity conservation, carbon emission reduction, and urban environment enhancement by implementing green lanes and other nature-based solutions. Although there is growing interest in green infrastructure, there is a significant gap between policy and implementation, especially in post-industrial cities such as Glasgow, where the drainage infrastructure has demonstrated weaknesses. This paper presents a three-tiered methodology for identifying flood-prone areas in Glasgow and simulating stormwater runoff to evaluate the efficacy of green lanes. The research seeks to offer theoretical perspectives and practical remedies for the environmental management and disaster resilience of urban areas.