SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal emphasizes the need for sustainable urban planning, efficient resource use, accessible public spaces, and reduced environmental impacts. For St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education and Research (SPIHER), SDG 11 aligns with its vision of fostering an environment that promotes both ecological sustainability and community well-being. SPIHER’s efforts in developing eco-friendly infrastructure, promoting green spaces, and integrating smart technologies on campus contribute to building sustainable and resilient communities. The institute actively engages students and faculty in projects related to urban sustainability, waste management, clean energy, and climate action. By incorporating research, innovation, and hands-on learning, SPIHER is preparing future leaders to address global urban challenges and contribute to the creation of sustainable cities and communities that can thrive in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.
SPIHER is dedicated to building an eco-friendly campus that promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility. The campus features energy-efficient buildings, solar power systems, and rainwater harvesting to minimize its ecological footprint. Green spaces throughout the campus enhance biodiversity, while waste management systems ensure the proper disposal and recycling of materials. Additionally, SPIHER has implemented water conservation practices and uses eco-friendly materials in construction and maintenance. These initiatives not only reduce energy consumption and environmental impact but also provide students and faculty with a healthy, sustainable learning environment that fosters environmental awareness and responsibility.
At SPIHER, a restricted entry of automobiles policy has been implemented to maintain order and reduce traffic congestion on campus. A well-organized parking system ensures that both students and staff can park their vehicles efficiently, minimizing disruptions. To promote gender equality and comfort, separate parking facilities have been designated for male and female faculty members. A signboard reading “Vehicles not allowed beyond this point” is strategically placed at the entrance of the main gate, ensuring that vehicles are parked in designated areas, thereby encouraging a cleaner, more pedestrian-friendly environment on campus. This initiative supports the goal of reducing carbon emissions and creating a safer, more organized campus.
In addition to restricting vehicle entry, SPIHER promotes the use of bicycles and battery-powered vehicles as sustainable transportation alternatives. The institute supports students in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, and the Mechanical Department has designed and fabricated a battery-powered vehicle, which is currently used for commuting within the campus. This eco-friendly vehicle helps reduce air pollution and traffic congestion while providing an innovative solution for campus mobility. Furthermore, SPIHER has enacted a ban on plastic use across the campus, encouraging sustainability and environmental consciousness by promoting alternatives like reusable containers and eco-friendly materials. Through these efforts, SPIHER is fostering a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable campus
Enhancing Community Engagement and Resilience
SPIHER’s commitment to SDG 11 extends beyond academia through active community engagement. The university works with local governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to implement sustainable practices in local communities. SPIHER collaborates on projects that address urban poverty, affordable housing, and public health in underserved areas. The university encourages students to participate in fieldwork, where they apply their knowledge in real-world urban challenges, contributing directly to the development of resilient urban communities.
The NSS organized a workshop on “Excelling in PowerPoint Presentation,” with four dedicated volunteers visiting Banaveduthottam village. During the visit, they interacted with students from the Banaveduthottam Government School, focusing on enhancing their presentation skills. The workshop, attended by 8th and 9th-grade students, featured a hands-on demonstration of PowerPoint using a laptop. The volunteers guided the students through various features of the software, allowing them to gain practical experience in creating effective presentations. This workshop not only equipped the students with valuable technical skills but also encouraged creativity and confidence in their ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Enhancing Community Engagement: Celebrating the International Year of Millets 2023 at SPIHER
2023, St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education and Research (SPIHER) actively participated in the global celebration of the International Year of Millets, promoting awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets through a series of engaging activities. The institute hosted a lecture on traditional millet recipes, where students and faculty learned to prepare a variety of millet-based dishes, such as Porridge, Upma, and snacks. The session covered not only the nutritional values of millets but also their cost-effectiveness, providing participants with practical knowledge on incorporating these grains into daily diets. Additionally, a training program on millet-based tiffin recipes introduced simple yet nutritious millet meals that can easily be integrated into busy lifestyles, encouraging healthier, more sustainable eating habits on campus.
Training program on millet-based tiffin recipes
To further involve the community, SPIHER organized a quiz competition to test knowledge on millets, alongside the introduction of millet-based dishes in the campus canteen and cafeteria. This move made it easier for students, faculty, and staff to experience the health benefits of millets through meals like millet biryani, salads, and desserts. A training program on novel millet-based processed food products also showcased innovative ways to use millets in energy bars and gluten-free snacks, providing new food options for health-conscious individuals. As part of its commitment to inclusivity, SPIHER developed and displayed millet-based recipes for special need groups, such as pregnant and lactating women, ensuring that these groups also benefited from the nutritional value of millets.
Beyond the educational initiatives, SPIHER engaged the wider community through creative activities like Rangoli, slogan writing, and cycle rallies, all focused on spreading awareness about the importance of millets. The campus also saw a surge in participation for poster-making events, where students and faculty expressed their creativity while promoting millet-based diets. These activities not only provided fun and engaging ways to educate the community about the benefits of millets but also fostered a greater sense of responsibility for sustainable eating practices. Through these efforts, SPIHER successfully enhanced community engagement, underscoring the importance of millets in creating a healthier, more sustainable future.
Poster-making events cantered around the theme of Millets.
Conclusion St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education and Research (SPIHER) is dedicated to advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Through innovative academic programs, research, and community engagement, SPIHER works towards fostering urban sustainability and addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization. The institution encourages students to explore solutions for sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, and environmental resilience. By promoting interdisciplinary learning and partnerships, SPIHER aims to empower future leaders who will contribute to the development of smarter, more sustainable cities and communities for generations to come.