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Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability

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A World Leader in Sustainability

We’ve been recognised as one of the top universities in the world for taking action to address the most pressing Environment, Social and Governance challenges facing society today.

We’re always developing new ways of thinking to shape a better future for people and our planet. We’ve signed the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) Accord, where we pledged our commitment to one another to do more and create a better world by ending poverty, fighting inequality and addressing the urgency of climate change.
Find out about our work towards the SDGs
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Sustainability research through the Strategic Research Fund

We are making a major commitment to Sustainability research through Durham's Strategic Research Fund (SRF). The SRF aims to stimulate significant growth in research income for the University through substantial investments in our research capability, community, and infrastructure.

Find out about our SRF funded projects

Our commitment to deliver solutions

We are committed to delivering solutions to the net-zero transition. We are well-placed to contribute to delivering solutions in the broad areas of energy, food, health, social impact and water.

Our research strength in energy spans all four faculties. Research by Durham Energy Institute ensures sustainable and resilient low-carbon systems can be developed to meet the needs of different contexts and ensure fair access for everyone. Sustainability plays a part in new buildings. Our latest additions of the Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science hub, Teaching and Learning Centre, and Sports and Wellbeing Complex were built to one of the highest BREEAM specifications for sustainability.

Find out more about our work on sustainability

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Our Offer of Educational Programmes

Our educational programmes on sustainability help make a positive long-term difference. We offer a wide range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes, covering many subject areas to help our students become global leaders of change. We also offer free online courses and videos.

Free online Courses,Lectures and Videos Our 'sustainability' modules for UG & PG courses

Nurturing tomorrow's world changers

As a global population, we continue to see a range of global challenges brought about by issues that we need to tackle together.

Climate change, energy use, sustainable living and disease are just some of the many world-changing areas that we need to focus on now to help make a positive long-term difference. We offer a wide range of programmes, covering many subject areas to help our students become global leaders of change.
Discover more
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Our sustainability policies

We have a dedicated Energy and Sustainability Team, which coordinates environmental initiatives across the University with the help of environmental champions and student representatives.

Our policies Our reports

Latest news

  • Durham Energy Institute celebrates 15 years of innovation and collaboration

    Durham Energy Institute (DEI) hosted its annual Energy Day this November focusing on the future of home energy solutions.
    Durham news
    An image of Simone Abram presenting to a room of delegates

  • Nature Positive: We're Highly Commended in the International Green Gown Awards

    We're delighted to announce that our project entitled 'Enhancing Biodiversity at Durham' has been Highly Commended for the Nature Positive category in the International Green Gown Awards 2024. Ian Armstrong, Biodiversity Manager in our Estates and Facilities Directorate, explains more about the project and how it supports our sustainability strategy.
    Durham news
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  • Botanic Garden Team strike Gold

    Our beautiful Botanic Garden has once again achieved a Gold Award in the Northumbria in Bloom Competition 2024. This annual competition recognises, encourages and rewards community groups who work together to transform their village, town or city, through gardening, environmental awareness and community support.
    Durham news
    Botanic Garden Gold winner Northumbria in Bloom 2024, Peter Thomson and David Profit accepting NiB Gold Award

Durham Energy Institute celebrates 15 years of innovation and collaboration

Durham Energy Institute (DEI) hosted its annual Energy Day this November focusing on the future of home energy solutions.

Durham news
An image of Simone Abram presenting to a room of delegates

Nature Positive: We're Highly Commended in the International Green Gown Awards

We're delighted to announce that our project entitled 'Enhancing Biodiversity at Durham' has been Highly Commended for the Nature Positive category in the International Green Gown Awards 2024. Ian Armstrong, Biodiversity Manager in our Estates and Facilities Directorate, explains more about the project and how it supports our sustainability strategy.
Durham news
a large brick building with a metal fence

Botanic Garden Team strike Gold

Our beautiful Botanic Garden has once again achieved a Gold Award in the Northumbria in Bloom Competition 2024. This annual competition recognises, encourages and rewards community groups who work together to transform their village, town or city, through gardening, environmental awareness and community support.
Durham news
Botanic Garden Gold winner Northumbria in Bloom 2024, Peter Thomson and David Profit accepting NiB Gold Award
Explore more sustainability news
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We are an inclusive community

At Durham, our people are our most important asset. We believe that our success is tied to being able to attract, retain and develop outstanding staff and students from all backgrounds and identities.

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Advancing sustainable development through our Centres and Institutes

Below some examples of our collaborative work through our Institutes and Centres that contributes to environmental and societal changes.

Our Centres and Institutes
Collections Outreach

We offer a range of outreach, civic and regional engagements

Working with a range of partners and stakeholders, we are actively contributing to the economy, culture, society and reputation of Durham’s city and region. Our work with regional schools aims to raise aspirations and extend educational opportunities to all.

Find out more
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Our University Strategy

As part of the University Strategy Refresh, we have developed a revised statement of institutional purpose which will guide the choices that we make and the communications that we issue about the revised Strategy.

Read more