SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology acknowledges that academic institutions are essential to creating sustainable communities and cities. The institution incorporates environmental, social, and economic concepts into campus operations, research, and outreach as part of its sustainability goal. SDG 11, which asks for creating inclusive, secure, resilient, and sustainable cities, is directly aligned with this. Sathyabama’s Green Campus & Infrastructure initiatives are backed by clear evidence: the university has implemented renewable energy systems, energy-efficient buildings, rainwater harvesting, and waste management policies, alongside accessibility measures for differently abled students. These efforts directly support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by creating an inclusive, eco-friendly, and resilient campus environment.

        Sustainable Practices within the Campus

• All students and faculty members use sustainable transport means to commute to college, these are through buses that use Bio-diesel generated from waste oil collected from college kitchen

• Pedestrian-friendly and pollution free campus with natural ecosystem of wetlands surrounding the campus, only battery-operated vehicles are mainly used inside the campus

• Water treatment plant has been established in the campus that is used for irrigating the landscape in the campus

• Renewable resources are utilized in the campus like Solar energy for street lighting, charging points, solar heater for hostels.

   

• Eco-Friendly Campus Design

  Sathyabama has adopted a Green Campus Policy that emphasizes energy conservation, waste segregation, and eco-friendly infrastructure. Buildings are designed with energy-efficient systems to reduce electricity consumption and environmental impact. The institution also practices rainwater harvesting, ensuring sustainable water use and reducing dependency on municipal supply. Waste segregation and recycling are systematically implemented through the Centre for Waste Management, which provides guidelines for environmentally responsible disposal.

• Renewable Energy

  Evidence shows that Sathyabama has invested significantly in renewable energy systems. The campus operates rooftop solar installations, which supply electricity and reduce reliance on conventional power. In fact, solar energy has been used innovatively for steam generation in cooking applications, reducing LPG consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The university’s Affordable and Clean Energy initiative highlights its commitment to expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and mitigating emissions.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity

  Sathyabama’s infrastructure reflects its commitment to equitable urban spaces. The campus is equipped with ramps, tactile pathways, Braille books, and sign-language interpreters, ensuring inclusivity for differently abled students. These measures align with SDG 11’s emphasis on making cities and communities inclusive and accessible. By integrating accessibility features into its physical infrastructure, the university demonstrates that sustainability is not only environmental but also social, ensuring that all students can participate fully in academic life.

Contribution to Sustainable development of city

• 1.Engineer J . Vanjinathan, Assistant Professor in Department of Civil Engineering has been appointed for State Quality Monitor in TUFIDCO (Tamilnadu urban finance Infrastructure development and corporation). He was involved in the project appraisal in TUFIDCO (Tamilnadu urban finance Infrastructure development and corporation) for the following projects;

  • Development of commercial complex at Thiruvallur theatre under Smart Cities Mission

  • Redevelopment of new stand in Vellore City Municipal Corporation under SmartCities Mission

  • Convention center at Tamukkan ground Madurai smart city

  • Bridge project at Alandurai Town Panchayats

• 2. School of Building and environment signed a MOU, with ITDP Institute of Transportation and development policy, Chennai, to collaborate in working towards planning Sustainable transportation in Chennai Our students worked for Complete street project and prepared proposals for pedestrian infrastructure in the influence area of schools in Mylapore and Saidapet areas in Chennai.

11.2.1 Public Access to Buildings

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, has actively promoted public access to its culturally significant spaces during the 2023–2024 academic year. The institution opened its church buildings and open-air auditoriums for community use, hosting events that celebrated heritage, science, and culture. Notable initiatives included the 11th International Conference on Integration of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development (Feb 2024), focusing on biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, and Silicon 2k24, a national-level technical symposium that drew participants from across India. The campus also welcomed cultural programs, exhibitions, and student-led festivals, reinforcing its role as a hub for both academic and social engagement Sathyabama. By allowing the general public to participate in these events, Sathyabama strengthened community ties and enhanced access to heritage landscapes, aligning with SDG 11.2.1’s emphasis on inclusive cultural spaces.

11.2.2 Public Access to Libraries

During the 2023–2024 academic year, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, advanced public access to knowledge through its Central Library initiatives, aligning with THE SDG 11.2.2 indicator. The library, spanning over 13,950 sq. meters, opened its resources to the general public, enabling community members to access books, journals, and digital publications. Events such as public lectures, book exhibitions, and collaborative workshops were hosted in the library premises, encouraging knowledge-sharing beyond the student body. The institution also facilitated access to global e-resources, including Elsevier, Springer, and IEEE databases, ensuring that visitors could benefit from world-class academic content. By welcoming external participants for cultural and academic events in the library space, Sathyabama reinforced its commitment to inclusivity, lifelong learning, and cultural exchange. These initiatives highlight the university’s role as a community hub for education and heritage, strengthening ties between academia and society. Sathyabama institute is a member of National Digital Library Entitative and has a dedicated NDLC -club to take care of these initiatives.

11.2.3 Public Access to Museums, exhibition spaces, galleries or works of art and artefacts

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, actively promoted inclusive access to its exhibition and gallery spaces during the 2023–2024 academic year. The university hosted major public-facing events such as TechnoSummit 2023, a national-level technical fest held in collaboration with Hewlett-Packard, and Startup Fest 2024, which showcased student innovations and entrepreneurial ventures. These events were open to the general public and held in the institution’s library and exhibition halls, transforming academic spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and knowledge exchange. The science exhibitions featured interactive displays, models, and demonstrations by students and researchers, inviting school groups and community members to engage with scientific concepts and technological advancements. These initiatives not only fostered public engagement but also provided access to works of art, artefacts, and academic showcases, fulfilling the goals of SDG 11.2.3 by making cultural and intellectual resources accessible to all.

11.2.4 Public Access to Green Spaces

During the 2023–2024 academic year, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, demonstrated its commitment to inclusive urban sustainability by opening its lush, landscaped campus for public use. The university host’s NEET, UPSC and other National level recruitment exams for Government and NoN-Government Organisations free of cost thereby providing a serene and accessible environment for thousands of candidates. Its green spaces also served as venues for Tamil Nadu Police training programs, leveraging open grounds for physical drills and coordination exercises. Additionally, Village Ticket cultural events were conducted in the open-air auditoriums and gardens, welcoming local communities to engage in art, music, and heritage celebrations. These initiatives reflect Sathyabama’s dedication to shared urban greenery, offering its eco-conscious infrastructure for educational, civic, and cultural purposes. By integrating public access into its green campus design, the institution actively supports SDG 11.2.4’s goal of equitable access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable public spaces.

Centre of Excellence in Urban Climate and Built environment

• School of Building and environment, Department of Architecture has established Centre of Excellence in Urban Climate and built environment which possesses a well-equipped Climatology lab, with instruments like Thermal imagers, data loggers, outdoor data loggers and simulation software like IESVE, ENVIMET etc. , here simulation studies and research works on Sustainable practices topics like building materials, energy efficiency in the building, urban heat island, sustainable landscape planning are conducted and documented.

   

• Students underwent Internship and collaborated for the following Govt. proposal – Post occupancy evaluation for Zero peak energy design for India during the period.

Sustainability as an integral part of Academic learning

The Academic learning has been developed with the intent to provide professionals and students with a springboard for invention, knowledge and understanding of the application of an integrated

environmental approach in sustainable architecture design.  To equip the students with knowledge to respond to a changing world and environmental challenges for best performance in the Industry as Sustainable Architects, Green Auditors, and Green Building Professionals.

• School of Architecture offers Post graduation program on sustainable architecture and Building Management. The Sustainable goals have been incorporated in the curriculum and students get exposure through various studies and live experiments conducted.

   

• Students in Master program in Sustainable Architecture and Building Management can cater to sustainable city planning and design through their academic curriculum and studios which prepare them for sustainable design and construction, enhancement of building services, Intelligent building management systems

   

• Professional Training conducted for Post-graduates and Under-graduate programs enable the students to get exposure by working with renowned Architects, Sustainable Architecture firms, Construction Industry.

   

• Under Graduate program in Bachelor of Architecture has been structured to include subjects related to Sustainability like Sustainable Architecture, Energy efficient architecture, Vernacular Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Site planning Conservation.

11.2.5 Arts and Heritage Contribution

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology advanced SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities through a drawing competition for school children, promoting arts, culture, and heritage. The initiative sensitized young learners to India’s monuments, festivals, folk arts, and landscapes, encouraging creative expression and cultural awareness. Held on campus, the event exposed children to higher education while faculty and volunteers explained the historical and artistic significance of heritage symbols. Outcomes included improved artistic skills, confidence, and sustainability thinking, with children depicting conservation themes and heritage protection. The program strengthened ties with local schools, fostered inclusivity, and bridged academia with society. It stands out among cultural programs for engaging children directly, nurturing future custodians of heritage. Evidence includes vibrant artworks and active participation. Future plans involve annual art camps, storytelling sessions, folk-art workshops, and museum visits, reinforcing Sathyabama’s commitment to cultural sustainability, community engagement, and heritage preservation. Various events like Drawing Competitions, etc are regularly conducted to reinforce Sathyabama’s commitment to cultural sustainability, community engagement, and heritage preservation.

11.2.6 Record and Preserve Cultural heritage

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology actively preserves cultural heritage through hands-on architectural workshops and vibrant cultural festivals, aligning with THE SDG 11.2.6 indicator. In March 2023, First Year B.Arch students from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, participated in a week-long workshop at the Laurie Baker Centre for Habitat Studies, Trivandrum. This immersive experience introduced students to cost-effective architecture using local materials like mud, bamboo, and bricks. They engaged in hands-on sessions on arch building, wall types, and filler slabs, gaining practical exposure to sustainable construction techniques rooted in regional heritage.

The Department of Architecture held a one-day workshop on laser cutting, focusing on digital fabrication techniques. Participants learned machine operations, material selection, and design preparation, enhancing their understanding of scale and detailing.

B.Arch students conducted a case study on the Vellore International School, designed by renowned architect Sanjay Mohe. The study analyzed architectural planning, material choices, and passive design strategies to create an environmentally friendly educational environment, enhancing their understanding of contemporary architectural approaches and thoughtful design principles.

The Department of Architecture hosted an alumni talk by Kiruba Shankari, an architect, for final-year students. The talk emphasized selecting, researching, and developing Campus Design, guiding students through practical tips and challenges, and expressing gratitude for her expertise.

The Urban Thinkers Campus (UTC) 9.0, is conceived as a part of World Urban Campaign (A UN HABITAT Initiative) as an open forum for critical exchange between urban researchers, professionals, and decision-makers who believe that urbanization is an opportunity and can lead to positive urban transformations. It is meant to contribute to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. The theme for this year’s UTC 9.0 is #housingmatters.

An extensive site visit to  Signify Innovations India limited was organized to examine and understand various lighting solutions available for a given space. The Final Year, III and II Year B.Des students visited the office and the experiential center in Nungambakkam on 6th March 2024. 30 students along with 3 staff members visited the Centre and the purpose of this visit was to explore and understand types of lighting and various lighting fixtures available for interior and exterior spaces. The expert and other technicians gave detailed information about various products they deal with and also explained their application as well. This site visit was a fascinating and enlightening experience for the students.

11.3.1 Arts and Heritage expenditure

In FY 2024, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, reported a total expenditure of about ₹210 crore, of which approximately ₹3.5 crore was directed toward arts, heritage, and cultural preservation. This allocation covered conservation of campus buildings, maintenance of musical instruments, renovations of auditoriums, and upkeep of open green spaces. Around ₹1.2 crore was spent on preserving heritage-style campus buildings, including renovation of the church building and maintenance of auditoriums used for cultural events. Approximately ₹50 lakh was allocated for the purchase, repair, and maintenance of instruments used in cultural festivals, music clubs, and heritage programs. Nearly ₹80 lakh was invested in refurbishing library exhibition halls, art galleries, and open-air auditoriums, ensuring accessibility for public events such as Techno Summit, Startup Fest, and science exhibitions. About ₹1 crore was directed toward landscaping, biodiversity conservation, and upkeep of gardens and open spaces, which also hosted Village Ticket cultural events. By earmarking resources for arts and heritage, Sathyabama reinforced its role as a centre for both academic excellence and cultural preservation, balancing investment in science and technology with support for creative and heritage-based endeavours.

 11.4.1 Sustainable Practices Target

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology has set ambitious and measurable sustainability targets for 2023–2024, with a strong focus on sustainable commuting, renewable energy, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement. These initiatives not only reduce the campus’s ecological footprint but also contribute to the broader vision of sustainable cities and communities under SDG 11.4. By integrating sustainability into academics, operations, and outreach, SIST exemplifies how higher education institutions can serve as catalysts for positive environmental and social change. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11.4 – Strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard cultural and natural heritage, SIST has set ambitious targets for the academic year 2023–2024. These targets emphasize sustainable commuting, waste management, renewable energy adoption, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement.

11.4.1 Sustainable Commuting Targets

One of the most pressing challenges for urban campuses is reducing the carbon footprint of daily commuting. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology has outlined several initiatives in this context:

• Promotion of Public Transport: The institute encourages students and staff to use sustainable transport means to commute to the institution. Sathyabama also operates buses which run on Bio-diesel generated from waste oil collected from university kitchen is also being used.

• Carpooling Programs: A digital platform is being piloted to connect students and faculty for shared rides, reducing single‑occupancy vehicle use.

• Electric Shuttle Services: SIST has introduced intra‑campus electric shuttle buses to minimize reliance on fossil fuels.

• Cycling Infrastructure: Dedicated cycle tracks and rental bicycles are being expanded across campus. The target is to increase bicycle usage by 20% in 2023–2024.

• Parking Policy Reform: Preferential parking for electric and hybrid vehicles is being implemented to incentivize sustainable commuting.

  

   

11.4.2 Promote Sustainable Commuting

Sathyabama Institute of science and technology is a Pedestrian-friendly and pollution free campus with natural ecosystem of wetlands surrounding the campus, hence only battery-operated vehicles are mainly used inside the campus. Students and staff members are encouraged to use Battery operated E-vehicles, E-bikes etc inside the campus, A separate Pedestrian Walk is provided for easier movement of the stakeholders inside the campus. School of Building and environment had signed a MOU, with ITDP- Institute of Transportation and development policy, Chennai, to collaborate in working towards planning Sustainable transportation in Chennai city. 

11.4.4 Affordable housing for employees

The institution ensures staff welfare through multiple initiatives. Employees who prefer to live outside campus are offered House Rent Allowances (HRA) to ease accommodation costs. For those wishing to stay within campus, SIST maintains well‑equipped hostels and dormitories, designed with safety, ventilation, and proximity to academic facilities. These hostels include air‑conditioned and non‑AC rooms with shared amenities, making them cost‑effective compared to city rentals. In addition, SIST operates guest houses for visiting faculty and staff, ensuring short‑term housing needs are met conveniently. By combining financial support with on‑campus housing infrastructure, the institute reduces the economic burden of living in Chennai’s urban environment. This integrated approach reflects SIST’s commitment to employee welfare and aligns with broader sustainability goals by fostering a supportive, inclusive campus community.

11.4.5 Affordable housing for students

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology ensures affordable and inclusive housing for its diverse student community. The campus hosts well‑structured hostels and dormitories designed to accommodate thousands of students, offering both air‑conditioned and non‑AC options to suit varying budgets. Each hostel is equipped with essential amenities such as Wi‑Fi, study halls, dining facilities, and recreational spaces, ensuring a balanced academic and social environment. SIST maintains separate hostels for men and women, with round‑the‑clock security and wardens to guarantee safety. 

11.4.6 Pedestrian priority on Campus

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology has designed its campus to be pedestrian‑friendly, ensuring safe and sustainable mobility for students, faculty, and visitors. Wide, shaded walkways connect academic blocks, hostels, and recreational areas, reducing reliance on vehicles within the campus. Dedicated pedestrian zones are clearly marked, with restricted entry for motorized traffic during peak hours to enhance safety. The institute has invested in green corridors and landscaped pathways, encouraging walking while promoting biodiversity. Accessibility features such as ramps and tactile paving support differently‑abled individuals, aligning with inclusive design principles. To further discourage unnecessary vehicular use, SIST provides electric shuttle services only for longer distances, keeping central areas reserved for pedestrians. Regular awareness campaigns highlight the health and environmental benefits of walking. By prioritizing pedestrian access, SIST fosters a sustainable, safe, and inclusive campus environment, consistent with its broader sustainability goals under SDG 11.4.

11.4.7 Local Authority Collaboration regarding planning and development

School of Building and environment had signed a MOU, with ITDP- Institute of Transportation and development policy, Chennai, to collaborate in working towards planning Sustainable transportation in Chennai city. School of Building and environment – Department of Civil also had been engaged by Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development corporation Limited to assist them in planning smart city activities under various state and central government schemes link Singara Chennai, Kalaignar Nagarpura Vazvidha Memppatu Thittham etc to improve the basic amenities, road facilities etc. 

Ar Hariesh a product designer had fruitful conversations with students of interior design first year on their product design process. The discussions yielded fine tuned designs and prototypes.

Ar. Kumaresan from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay conducted a Design Thinking Workshop for the first-year students at the Sathyabama - School of Building and Environment. The sessions included hands-on exercises that pushed students to think of alternative design solutions while working on models and sketches. The session was a successful venture where students came out with multiple iterations and had useful dialogues with each other, the design team, and Ar. Kumaresan.

Renowned architect Ar. Kalaivanan Amudhan delivered an inspiring guest lecture on bio-materials, computational design, and robotics fabrication for third-year B.Arch students. Through a captivating presentation, he showcased his innovative works, providing valuable insights into the intersection of architecture and cutting-edge technologies. His expertise and pioneering approach left a lasting impression on the students, serving as a catalyst for their exploration of new possibilities in architectural design and construction.

First year architecture students visited Senganthal poonga on 7 th February 2024 and Semmozhi poonga on 10 February Poonga as part of Design studio II. The students need to understand the context, activities and spatial layout to identify a site to design either an information kiosk and a gazebo or a snack bar and a gazebo. The students visited the Semmozhi poonga during the flower show and were excited to see how the park transformed during special occasions.

The Department of Architecture proudly launched its newsletter, "Archive," with a ceremony graced by the Vice President of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. The Vice President commended the initiative and appreciated the dedication of both students and staff members who voluntarily contributed to the publication. "Archive" is envisioned as a platform to showcase the department's achievements, research endeavors, and creative outputs, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the academic environment.

During a week-long rural documentation program in the village of Chenniyur near Pollachi, second-year architecture students engage in hands-on exploration, surveys, sketches, and interviews. This initiative aims to deepen their understanding of local architectural and cultural aspects, encouraging a socially conscious approach to design that considers the unique context of the People Living there.

Ar. Hasti Valipour an Iranian-French architect from the University of Copenhagen was invited by the School of Building and Environment to collaborate with  Ar.Esther Kiruba J C and Ar. Ramkumar from the Department of Architecture. She spent two days working closely on eggshell waste being used as a building material. The scope of the material to be used in 3D printing was discussed and various other applications and alternatives were brainstormed with the researchers and interested students who joined the team. An interesting point to note is that all the eggshell waste used has been collected from the main kitchen over the past few months by Ramkumar and Esther and dried, powdered and stored all sustainably with available resources writhing the department itself.

As another social cause 12 students and 2 faculties from the department of Architecture have done few social awareness painting on the walls of Padur Panchayat, as requested by the president of Padur panchayat and the coordinator of iVolunteer. 4 of our students visited the place where wall painting was requested a week earlier and took measurements and collected requirements from Padur Panchayat. Later a group of students volunteered to design social-awareness concepts to be painted on those walls, for a week at the studios. Finally on the 3rd March 2024, 12 students and 2 faculties went to complete the activity

The officials of the panchayat were thrilled to see the final outcome on their walls. Students participated with enthusiasm and there was cross-batch learning were seniors helped newcomers on how to plan and start such wall painting activities. Overall it was a nice learning experience for few students who were doing any sort of painting activity for the very first time.

The students of B.Arch. IV year went on an educational tour to Sri Lanka along with three faculty members. The eight-day educational trip was a transformative experience for the students. Immersed in the rich cultural heritage, they explored cities like Colombo, Galle, Sigiria, Bentota and Kandy. They explored the works of eminent architect Geoforry Bawa visiting the New Parliament House, Seema Malaka temple, Lunu Ganga Estate, a number of resorts designed by him. The students were in profound appreciation for Bawa’s meticulous creation etched in every detail. Visits to iconic landmarks such as Sigiriya's ancient rock fortress , Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of the Tooth in Kandy provided invaluable insights into the region's architectural evolution and cultural significance. Engaging with local architects and artisans offered students a hands-on understanding of traditional building techniques and materials, enriching their academic knowledge with practical, real-world applications. 

Resin workshop was conducted by Ar. Divya Murugesan on the 20th and 21st of November 2023, for the first year B.Arch and B.Des students of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. As part of this workshop, the students got to experiment on large panels where they showcased their creativity with resin and expressed it through art. Beautiful seascapes and statement art pieces were made using mix of various colours and techniques.

Ar. Akshaya J and Ar. Prarthana Murali conducted a "Terracotta mural workshop" on the 16th and 17th of November 2023, for the first-year B.Arch and B.Des students of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. The students were able to explore the clay material and got familiarized on how to use it. The students also had the opportunity to explore different tools and techniques for creating different patterns of mural tiles.

Our fourth year student Pramodhnie lead an Art Workshop at the  Department of Architecture for the First Years of B.Arch and B.Des students.

First year students of B.Arch and B.Des, Interior Design, visited Dakshina Chitra an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts. This helped students to understand the broader, more inclusive cultures of the states and to introduce arts and crafts to these young minds.

In a wholehearted volunteering initiative, our 1st year B.Arch and B.Des students created lots of innovative and creative self-help learning aids for special children, residing at Vasantham Special School and Home at Mogappair. About 100 children reside and learn at this school. These learning material created would help these children learn concepts with deeper understanding through  visualisation and continuous play-way interaction. We appreciate the social sensitivity of our students, and thank each of them who volunteered today for making a wonderful difference in the way children learn. 

Following the 35th foundation day celebrations held on 5th October 2023, SEED Fund Award Ceremony was conducted today , the 6th of October 2023 at Tmt. Soundarabai Auditorium .Honorable Chancellor Dr.Mariazeena Johnson handed over SEED grant order copies to the Staff and Student Investigators. 49 proposals leading to innovative products, processes and technologies in various domains received the grants worth 55 Lakhs. The Chancellor congratulated each and every one of the Investigators personally and addressed the awardees indicating time management,financial management and commercialization strategies as the key parameters to be kept in mind to meet the objectives of the proposal for which the grant was given. Researchers from the School of Building and Environment received a grant for their team of 3 professors and 2 students.

School of Building and Environment at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai organized an activity at the Urban Design Collective where the students of M.Arch., Sustainable Architecture played an interactive game with the theme of Sustainable Development Goal 13. The experience included adversities and resistances that are faced while working towards the goal. The activity created feelings of change and reform in the students minds while also urging them to work towards achieving the SDG 13 within the year 2030.

Esther Clifford an Assistant Professor and Fiona Evangeline a former educator from the Department of Architecture presented a poster on, “The burden of research in architecture: why do researchers not have an equitable share in the glory of being called architects?”, at the International Research Culture Conference online hosted by the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

     SDG 11 Event Report (2023–2024)

     SDG 11 MoUs (2023–2024)