Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. For SMEs, this means supporting local places, improving accessibility, reducing pollution, and helping communities thrive through practical local action.
A practical example, local and repeatable
A Bristol based café and deli wanted to reduce waste and strengthen local ties. They switched to reusable packaging incentives, partnered with a nearby food bank for surplus, and joined a monthly local litter pick. Customers noticed the impact, footfall improved, and the business became known as a responsible local favourite.
- Reusable cup and container incentives
- Surplus food donated locally
- Monthly community clean ups
- Stronger local loyalty and reviews
- Less waste and lower disposal costs
- More community partnerships
They added “community focused business Bristol”, “zero waste café”, and “local sustainability initiatives” to their SDG:Zero listing. This supported searches like “ethical café Bristol” and “community deli near me”, and helped customers choose them with confidence.
Quick explainer video
Hear how SDG 11 supports local SMEs, and how practical community action can make towns and cities cleaner, safer, and more resilient.
Practical actions for SMEs
Sponsor a local cause, offer space, or donate time and skills to community projects.
Cut single use items, improve bin placement, and choose packaging that gets recycled locally.
Share clear accessibility info, remove small barriers, and offer flexible contact options.
Cycle to work support, remote appointments, and local deliveries reduce congestion and emissions.
Have simple continuity plans for weather disruption, supply issues, and local emergencies.
Listing copy examples you can use
We support local community initiatives through time, partnerships, and practical action in our area.
We reduce waste and improve local cleanliness through packaging choices, recycling, and local initiatives.
We provide clear access information and flexible ways to book or contact us, making our service easier to use.
Simple metrics to track
Packaging used, recycling rates, and landfill waste reduced month to month.
Volunteer time, local events supported, and partnerships created.
Number of changes made, plus feedback from customers and staff.
Turn community action into local credibility
People choose businesses that improve the places they operate in. When you support local initiatives, reduce waste, and improve access, you build loyalty and stand out in local search. Add SDG 11 to your SDG:Zero listing, then share short updates about what you did locally and why it matters.