Goal #11

What are the features of a good or sustainable city?

Today, over half of the world’s population live in cities (3.5 billion) and by 2050 this figure is expected to rise to two thirds (6.5 billion). That means we need to build a new city for one million people each week to keep up, or manage the growth of the cities we already have. Cities are the powerhouses of economic growth, contributing over 80% of global GDP and functioning as catalysts for inclusion and innovation.

However, cities also account for about 70% of global energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission and resource consumption. The environmental impact of cities extends well beyond their borders. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significantly transforming the way we build and manage our urban spaces.

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.

Sydney harbour with the Opera House, a cruise ship and ferries

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.

Find out more

UNSW Environmental Sustainability

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.

Download the Environmental Sustainability Plan

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 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.

Download

UNSW Indigenous Strategy

Led by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, the Indigenous Strategy provides an overarching framework for Indigenous education, employment and research. Taking a whole-of-university approach means this strategic vision is implemented across all aspects of the University's operations.

Read now

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. 

Learn more

Curating Cities: A Database of Eco Public Art

Curating Cities is a five-year research project that examines how the arts can generate environmentally beneficial behavioural change and influence the development of green infrastructure in urban environments. Drawing on case studies from around the world, Curating Cities assesses the ongoing and potential contribution of public art to eco-sustainable development and the benefits to Sydney and cities in general. The project provides a rubric for public art in relation to the fundamental domains of sustainable planning: energy, water, food and waste.

Find out more