The future of sustainable cities is social—here’s why
Urban planning often emphasises environmental and economic factors, but social sustainability—ensuring that communities are inclusive, resilient, and thriving—is equally crucial. Incorporating social sustainability into urban planning involves creating spaces that foster social connections, provide equitable access to resources, and support the wellbeing of all residents. By prioritising social sustainability, urban planners can develop communities that are not only environmentally sound and economically viable but also socially vibrant and cohesive.
A high-density sustainable precinct is praised for its energy-efficient design, rooftop gardens, and recycled materials. But within months of opening, small businesses are struggling, social isolation has increased, and the area lacks the vibrancy of a true community.
Why? Because, while it was green, it wasn’t liveable—it had no affordable housing, limited public space, and no real social infrastructure.
This is a hypothetical situation, but not really - in that - it’s the reality of urban planning when social sustainability is overlooked.
When I first started in the planning profession over 20 years ago, we were taught that sustainability rests on three equally important pillars—social, environmental, and economic. Yet, for years, so much of the focus has been on environmental concerns—reducing carbon footprints, designing energy-efficient buildings, and improving resource use. While these efforts are crucial (don't get me wrong, I absolutely value the environment too), they only tell half the story.
Cities aren’t just ecosystems to be optimised—they’re places where people live, work, and build their lives. Yet, social sustainability—the ability of communities to thrive over time—is often an afterthought in planning decisions.
The result? Developments that are environmentally efficient but socially fragile.
What is social sustainability?
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise social sustainability as critical to urban development. Goals such as Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Quality Education (SDG 4) highlight the need for affordable housing, inclusive public spaces, and equitable access to resources.
Yet, despite these global commitments, social sustainability often remains an afterthought—overshadowed by environmental and economic considerations.
Social sustainability means ensuring cities work for people—now and in the future.
This means:
Housing that is affordable, accessible, and stable
Public spaces that foster social connection
Local economies that create jobs and opportunities
Urban design that prioritises health and wellbeing
Social infrastructure—schools, libraries, community hubs—that build resilience.
Yet, despite its importance, social sustainability is rarely given the same weight as environmental or economic considerations. (Or, it is a massive behind-the-scenes effort to get it recognised as equally important).
Why social sustainability matters more than ever
Australia’s cities are at a crossroads. Rapid urban expansion, rising cost-of-living pressures, and shifting work patterns demand a strategic approach to social sustainability.
Social justice must be embedded into land use planning—ensuring that developments don’t just meet environmental targets but also provide the amenities, services, and opportunities needed for people to thrive.
1. Housing Affordability Is a Social Sustainability Issue
Australia’s housing crisis isn’t just an economic problem—it’s a social sustainability failure.
When stable housing is out of reach, it affects employment, education, health, and social cohesion. Yet, many ‘sustainable’ developments fail to integrate affordable and diverse housing models, widening inequality and social fragmentation.
💡 I recently worked on a project where affordability was initially overlooked. While the development incorporated strong environmental design principles, there was limited provision for diverse housing options. Through engagement and analysis, I was able to highlight how pricing out key segments of the housing market—such as essential workers and young professionals—could impact the long-term success and resilience of the community. As a result, the project team reconsidered their approach, incorporating affordable housing as a crucial element to support a balanced, sustainable neighbourhood.
2. Work Patterns Have Changed—But Cities Haven’t Caught Up
The shift towards remote work has significantly altered how Australians engage with urban spaces. As of August 2023, 37% of Australians regularly worked from home, a notable increase from pre-pandemic levels. This trend is even more pronounced among managers and professionals, with 60% working remotely (ABS, 2023).
A socially sustainable city must:
Prioritise flexible land use that allows communities to evolve
Support public spaces for remote and hybrid workers
Strengthen local economies beyond commuter-driven business districts.
3. Socially Sustainable Cities Are More Resilient
Research shows that strong social networks make communities more resilient in times of crisis—whether a pandemic, climate event, or economic downturn.
Yet, many new developments lack the infrastructure needed to foster social cohesion.
If resilience is a policy priority, social sustainability must be built into urban planning from the outset—not as an afterthought.
What needs to change? A case for prioritising social sustainability
Australia has initiated efforts to integrate wellbeing metrics into policy through frameworks like Measuring What Matters and the ACT Wellbeing Framework. However, their application in urban planning remains limited.
The Measuring What Matters framework, introduced by the Australian Government in 2023, aims to track progress towards a healthier, more secure, sustainable, cohesive, and prosperous Australia. While it outlines key wellbeing indicators, its influence on urban development and planning decisions remains minimal.
The ACT Wellbeing Framework measures quality of life across twelve key domains, including health, education, environment, and social connection. Developed through community consultation, it reflects the values and priorities of Canberrans. However, its effectiveness depends on whether it is fully embedded into urban planning, development approvals, and policy initiatives.
To truly embed social sustainability into urban development, the following actions are essential:
🔹 Integrate wellbeing metrics into urban planning
Planning processes must actively incorporate wellbeing indicators, ensuring developments enhance community health, safety, social cohesion, and economic resilience.
🔹 Implement policies that encourage socially sustainable design
Stronger urban planning policies must support walkable, socially connected, and inclusive communities, ensuring housing, public space, and essential services are central to development.
🔹 Foster meaningful community engagement in development processes
Engaging residents early in the planning process creates better social outcomes. True social sustainability requires co-designing spaces with the communities they serve.
🔹 Promote diverse and affordable housing options
Housing policy must shift towards long-term affordability and inclusion, supporting options such as:
Build-to-rent models - offering long-term rental security and professional management
Cooperative housing - shared ownership models that reduce costs and promote community living
Medium-density developments with integrated public spaces - well-integrated townhouses and low-rise apartments that balance affordability and urban density
Key worker housing – affordable housing for essential workers (healthcare, education, emergency services) located near employment hubs
Social and affordable housing – Government-subsidised or community-managed housing for low-income households
🔹 Measure and Monitor Social Outcomes
Governments and developers must track and report social impact indicators, ensuring urban projects align with real community needs.
By embedding these strategies, policymakers and planners can create communities that are not only environmentally sustainable but socially resilient and vibrant.
The future of sustainable cities must be social
The challenge isn’t why social sustainability matters—it’s how we ensure it drives decision-making in urban planning, development, and policy.
We already have the frameworks, the data, and the awareness. Now, it’s time to embed social sustainability into real-world planning decisions, ensuring it is not just an afterthought but a core driver of urban transformation.
💡 How can planning approvals move beyond compliance to actively deliver social value?
💡 What practical steps can ensure developments prioritise people, not just economic returns?
💡 How do we translate wellbeing frameworks into enforceable planning policies and funding decisions?
These are the questions we need to be answering and I'd love to hear your thoughts on these.
