SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities

Goal 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

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12th

in the world for SDG 11

UNSW ranked 12th in the world for SDG 11 in the 2024 THE Impact Rankings.

100%

solar energy

All UNSW electricity is from renewable sources under a world-first 15-year solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

$884,807

in scholarships

UNSW paid $884,807 in student accommodation scholarships in 2023.

In this video, Professor Tommy Wiedmann from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, breaks down some of the key challenges behind SDG #11.

City Futures Research Centre

Since 2005, the City Futures Research Centre has developed into a national leader in scholarly applied public interest research on our cities. In undertaking this research, they collaborate with a range of academic researchers, both within UNSW and at universities across Australia and overseas. Their applied focus involves strong partnerships with local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as industry stakeholders and community groups, to develop evidence-based ideas for tackling the complex challenges of urban change and growth, while maintaining its commitment to independent public interest research.

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Our work

International urban climate conference

UNSW hosted the 11th International Conference on Urban Climate, which was attended by 640 researchers from 49 countries. Major themes included urban climate processes and policy, biometeorology and health, climate-conscious design and sustainable development.

Tracking nature value at UNSW

The University developed a methodology to track nature value at its main Kensington campus, as part of its Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24. The metric accounts for tree canopy cover, native trees, green-blue infrastructure, plants and garden beds, and total green space. With the new metric, project teams across UNSW were incentivised to contribute to a better nature value outcome in planning and grounds management.

Australasian leaders in lab sustainability

Labs are estimated to use around 2% of global plastic waste and three to 10 times the energy used in a typical office. In recognition of its efforts to make its labs more sustainable, UNSW received international sustainability accreditation for more than 45 of its labs from LEAF. UNSW is the first Australasian university to receive LEAF accreditation.

Flood resilience in the Pacific

A UNSW study of how nature-based solutions can improve flood resilience in Pacific Island communities received a UNSW humanitarian engineering grant. The grants support research into better livelihoods in low and middle-income countries.

Mititgiating climate change in Western Sydney

Together with Western Sydney University, UNSW researchers received funding to investigate urban heat mitigation, the impacts of urban climate on playground activity, and indicators of liveable communities in Western Sydney. The collaborative projects aim to create more sustainable and vibrant spaces for local communities in the region.

Disability in Crises and Natural Disasters: Preparedness and Resilience

Floods, fires and other climate-related crises are becoming more regular occurrences. Yet, when we talk about disaster preparedness and community resilience, disability is often overlooked or misrepresented.

We gathered experts to spark the discussion on disability and natural disasters. Tackling issues of inclusion, representation, and empowerment, our speakers shared their experiences and insights on this important topic, encouraging further discussion within the wider community.

UNSW Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24

Environmental sustainability is a key element of our 2025 Strategy. Through this, we have made it our mission to become the first university in Australia to commit to having 100% of its electricity supplied by photovoltaic solar power. Our students and staff are actively engaged in environmental and social issues. We recognise that we are uniquely positioned to contribute to solving global environmental challenges through teaching, research, thought leadership and demonstrating leading practices on our campuses.

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5-star green rating

target

UNSW has targeted a 5-star green rating on all new buildings and refurbishments.

20%

Increase the percentage of staff and students commuting by active travel modes to 20% by 2022.

90%

of general waste diverted from landfill into recycling, composting and waste-to-energy.

Standards

Continue to offer interdisciplinary education in environmental management in line with the Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Statement for Environment and Sustainability.

UNSW Village Green Redevelopment

The vision for the Village Green redevelopment began in 2020 and was finalised in 2022. It has transformed the largest open space on the Kensington campus into a vibrant and connected place that provides inclusive and exceptional sporting, recreational, social and wellness opportunities where students, staff and the community can come together to play, exercise, socialise and relax.

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TEDI-London's street life course

As part of its 2023 built environment programs, UNSW offered an elective that studied the street environments of Sydney and Phnom Penh. Students explored the way that streets and footpaths support the daily lives of urban citizens, working with Cambodian design students and community members. Travel grants for the course were provided by the Australian Government New Colombo Plan and UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture.

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Wong Mun Summ at Summer Intensive with UNSW Built Environment Students

TEDI-London

Net zero cities course

UNSW appointed two world-renowned architects from Singaporean practice Woha, to deliver an interdisciplinary course to UNSW students on the creation of net zero carbon cities.

Taking Control of Gentrification in South Sydney

This Nancy Hillier Memorial Lecture explored how communities can address challenges raised by increasing housing costs and outside investment in previously underserved areas. It brought together experts from the worlds of government, policy, academia, and activism including Ron Hoenig, NSW M.P.

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UNSW 2025 Strategy Update

This document celebrates the key achievements of the first phase of the 2025 Strategy, highlighting where we have come from and where we are now. It also updates the framework against which we will assess, track and measure existing and new strategic initiatives over the next five years.

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UNSW Environmental Sustainability Report 2023

The second progress report of the Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022–2024 continues to drive UNSW’s pursuit of an environmentally sustainable future for all.

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UNSW Sustainable Development Goals 2023 Report

This report outlines UNSW's performance against the SDGs in 2023.

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