Towards a sustainable university : integrating stormwater harvesting with green infrastructure at the University of Malta

Abstract

As climate change intensifies and urbanisation increases, managing stormwater runoff has become a pressing environmental and infrastructural challenge. The University of Malta campus, with its impervious surfaces and outdated drainage systems, is particularly vulnerable to flooding and water resource inefficiency. This study investigates the potential for integrating green infrastructure (GI) and stormwater harvesting systems across the campus to enhance sustainability and resilience. A spatial analysis of land use and surface types was conducted using QGIS, followed by runoff estimations based on rainfall data and runoff coefficients. The findings revealed that impermeable surfaces, particularly buildings, car parks, and paved areas, are the largest contributors to stormwater runoff, generating over 23,000 m3 annually. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used to identify natural flow paths and low-lying accumulation zones. Based on these analyses, targeted GI interventions were proposed. A soakaway system is recommended for Car Park 1, the campus’s largest runoff-generating parking area, located in a natural downslope. Several buildings not connected to existing reservoirs were identified as suitable for rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, a bioswale is proposed along the University Ring Road to intercept and filter runoff before it reaches sensitive ecological zones. The proposed interventions are low-cost, low-maintenance, and adaptable, offering scalable models for sustainable stormwater management. This research provides a practical framework that can be extended to other institutions aiming to enhance water conservation, flood mitigation, and climate resilience through nature-based solutions.