Improved Urban Systems for Liveability

This project investigates how major cities function and the effects of their land-use, housing and infrastructure systems on the humans that live in them.

The main urban systems underpinning liveability include transport networks, green space and housing and the interconnections between them. The project aims to better understand how these systems combine to affect liveability and how decision-making in city planning, management and development can be better informed to improve outcomes in these areas. The research will examine how the integration of urban systems can be optimised in inner, middle and outer or peri-urban areas of cities to create greener more walkable and sustainable neighbourhoods, and wider urban regions, that enable urban residents to have access to nature, produce cleaner air, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase active transportation, reduce chronic disease and facilitate climate change adaptation.

Project timeline: 2016 - 2021

Key contributors: Jago DodsonSarah BekessyCecily MallerJoe Hurley, Luis Mata, Marco AmatiMichael Buxton and Robin Goodman

Find out more: Improved Urban Systems for Liveability project page

This project addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals and Targets:

sustainable development goal 3 icon good health and wellbeing

3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

sustainable development goal 9 icon industry, innovation and infrastructure

9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

sustainable development goal 11 icon sustainable cities and communities

11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons

11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries

11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management  

11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities

11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning

sustainable development goal 3 icon climate action

13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

sustainable development goal 17 icon partnerships for the goals

17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships  

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Get in touch

For more information or to discuss partnership and collaboration opportunities, email us at SDGs@rmit.edu.au.

For more information about RMIT’s sustainability commitments and activities visit www.rmit.edu.au/sustainability

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.