SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities

Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to make cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Achieving this goal is essential for ensuring a better quality of life for current and future generations.

Amity University has had made significant contribution in partnering with SDG 11 to create sustainable cities and communities. As an educational institution, Amity University accredits itself as a research and innovation driven university with a unique opportunity to contribute to the realization of SDG 11 in several ways:

Research and Innovation: Amity University has engaged in research and innovation in areas related to urban planning, city planning, developing sustainability assessment framework and their implementations, infrastructure development, and sustainable technologies. Last year, many Scopus-indexed research papers published under the said agenda are a testimony to this under various institutions such as ASAP, RICS to name a few. In this endeavour students are encouraged and guided through course curricula to take up sustainable and conservation, redevelopment and restoration thesis and dissertation projects. The University provides a conducive environment for partnerships and collaborative efforts amongst the faculty between the diverse fields/department within the Amity campuses or with other governmental and non-governmental organizations of repute. Few of research papers on inclusive design practices, implementing barrier-free access, and promoting awareness of accessibility standards, solid waste management, vernacular economies, art and heritage conservation, green spaces and relationship impact studies on urban level etc contributes to the creation of equitable and sustainable communities, aligning with the global vision of SDG 11 has been published by our faculty members.

Education and Training: Amity University offers programs and courses that focus on urban sustainability, city planning, and community development. By educating future professionals and leaders in these fields, the university helps build the capacity required to address the challenges associated with urbanization.

Record and preserve cultural heritage: The University through its courses such as History of Architecture, Human Settlement and Planning, Architectural Conservation, Urban Renewal and Conservation, Communities Culture and Cities, Indian Urbanism: Reimagining Cities etc ensures the preservation of the cultural heritage, traditions and knowledge and hence contributes to the development of inclusive and sustainable communities, in line with the objectives of SDG 11. Few of our faculty members and students are engaged in research work in the field of heritage, history and conservation including modern Indian conservation.

Sustainable Campus: Amity University also leads by example by implementing sustainable practices on its own campuses. This includes green building initiatives, waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation options and priority to pedestrian access throughout campus.

Public access to buildings/libraries/open/green spaces

Amity University Noida campus planning provides free and unrestricted access to all significant buildings. In line with the above, emphasizes the accessibility and inclusivity of the buildings located within its campus, enabling equal and unrestricted entry for all individuals, including those with disabilities and special needs. A campus map also allows the new students and visitors to take self-guided tours within the campus. A golf-cart is readily available on call at entry gates for dignitaries and visitors for easy access for specific needs.

Amity University Campus at Noida has a Central Library with access to over two lakh books in total comprising periodicals, references, national and international journals thereby covering all aspects of academic studies and research materials. The library resources including e-resource are accessible to the students and the faculty members thus contributing towards inclusive and sustainable communities by promoting equal access to knowledge and information. The campus building design has universal access including library building.

The students, faculty and staff at Amity University Noida campus have the advantage of accessing a variety of open and green spaces. The campus landscape comprises numerous fruit and flower-bearing trees and other vegetation which provides shade in the summer season and a good amount of sun in winter thereby enhancing community well-being, physical health, and environmental sustainability within the campus.

Sustainable practices targets

Research focused on measuring and setting targets for more sustainable commuting, including walking, cycling, carpools, Amity shuttle bus service or public transportation such as Delhi Metro most popular, motorcycles, all align with the objectives of SDG 11by promoting sustainable and inclusive transportation systems.

Collaborative efforts within the University through courses such as Traffic and Transport Planning and research work facilitates the development and implementation of sustainable transportation policies, infrastructure, and incentives, aiming to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly commuting practices and reduce reliance on conventional vehicles.

Pedestrian access on campus

Entire Amity University Noida campus spatial planning is done by keeping pedestrian-friendly access as compared to vehicle-friendly campuses. Walking inter-institutions is encouraged and the concept of walkability is incorporated into practice too. People-centric shaded spaces promote an interactive culture within the campus.