SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities

Goal: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Global Context

Over 56% of the world's population lives in cities, projected to reach 68% by 2050. Cities consume over 75% of global energy and produce more than 70% of CO2 emissions. One billion people live in slums or informal settlements. Urban air pollution causes an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths annually. Climate change poses increasing risks to urban infrastructure and populations.

Key Targets

Key targets include ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing (11.1), providing sustainable transport systems (11.2), enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanisation (11.3), protecting cultural and natural heritage (11.4), reducing deaths from disasters (11.5), reducing environmental impact of cities (11.6), and providing access to safe, inclusive green and public spaces (11.7).

Business Contribution

Businesses contribute through green building development and retrofitting, sustainable transport solutions, affordable housing initiatives, urban resilience planning, smart city technologies, waste management and circular economy solutions, and community engagement in urban development. The real estate, construction, transport, and technology sectors have particular roles.

Measurement & Reporting

GRI 413 (Local Communities), GRESB (real estate and infrastructure), SASB Real Estate and Infrastructure standards, LEED/BREEAM certifications.

Primary Sources

UN-Habitat, C40 Cities, ICLEI

From ESG Library

• ESG & GRI Reporting Made Simple — SDG mapping and disclosure guidance
• Practical Guide to ESG Integration — Integrating SDGs into business strategy

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Related Topics

• GRI Standards
• UN Global Compact
• Environmental SDGs
• Social SDGs
• Governance SDGs