TU Delft Advances Sustainability with UN SDG Alignment
Delft, Wednesday, 29 October 2025.
TU Delft aligns research and education with UN SDGs, integrating advanced engineering into policy-making, enhancing the societal impact of innovations for global environmental challenges.
Strategic Integration of Engineering and Policy
The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has strategically aligned its educational and research initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This alignment is exemplified through the university’s strategic programme at Campus The Hague, which focuses on integrating state-of-the-art engineering into political and decision-making processes. This initiative aims to enhance the societal impact of technological advancements by ensuring that they are effectively utilized in addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity [1].
Innovative Projects and Global Impact
One significant project contributing to this effort is the Global Observatory of Healthy and Sustainable Cities (GOHSC), which was recently awarded the 2025 Nobel Sustainability Award. Co-led by Associate Professor Deepti Adlakha from TU Delft, the observatory develops tools that help policymakers track progress and implement strategies for sustainable urban development. This global initiative comprises 319 researchers across 198 cities in 57 countries, showcasing TU Delft’s commitment to advancing sustainable urban solutions [2].
Sustainability in Education and Research
TU Delft’s commitment to sustainability extends to its educational practices as well. The university is involved in the Infrastructure Sustainability Learning Initiative (ISLe), which focuses on integrating sustainable development into engineering curricula. This initiative aims to overcome barriers such as rigid curricula and lack of institutional incentives, thereby fostering a new generation of engineers who are both technically proficient and policy-conscious [3].
Local and Global Collaborations
The TU Delft | Global Initiative, founded in 2015, exemplifies the university’s dedication to addressing global challenges through local collaborations. Current projects include exploring alternatives to diesel generators in low-resource settings, demonstrating TU Delft’s focus on practical, science-based solutions for global development [4]. Moreover, TU Delft’s participation in the EU-INTERCHANGE project highlights its leadership in addressing climate change impacts on marine environments, further solidifying its role in advancing sustainable practices across different sectors [5].