Virtual Summit Submission

University of Texas at Austin
Environmental Science

Biography

Eva Asfahani is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Global Business Sustainability. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has been actively involved in campus organizations that promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness. Recognized with University Honors, multiple scholarships, and the Tyler Fellow Award, Eva has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence. Her research and professional interests focus on sustainable development and strategies to minimize the environmental impact of the modern built environment.

Project

Enhancing Urban Water Drainage in Avenida da Liberdade: Evaluating Green Spaces and Sustainable Infrastructure in Lisbon’s Master Drainage Plan
Lisbon’s Plano Geral de Drenagem de Lisboa (PGDL) represents a major step toward modernizing the city’s drainage system in response to growing environmental pressures. This paper explores how sustainable infrastructure, particularly nature-based solutions such as Green-Blue Infrastructure, are incorporated into the PGDL, with a focus on the Avenida da Liberdade area. Through a combination of literature review, fieldwork, and interviews with municipal officials, the research evaluates the environmental, economic, and social benefits of integrating decentralized, sustainable drainage systems alongside traditional gray infrastructure. Findings show that while the PGDL makes important progress in reducing flood risk and improving water quality, spatial and technical constraints in dense urban areas limit the full use of nature-based approaches. Specific recommendations are proposed for Avenida da Liberdade, including the addition of bioswales, permeable pavements, and underground retention systems. By examining Lisbon’s approach, this paper highlights the broader importance of embedding sustainable infrastructure into historic urban environments facing climate challenges.