SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability

An icon showing an infinity symbol shown as an arrow

Examples of our actions towards SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Providing healthy, seasonal, local, and responsibly sourced food for staff, students and visitors are critical to the University’s drive to uphold its reputation as a responsible institution. This policy covers all of the University’s colleges, catering outlets, services and products.

Read our Sustainable Food Policy Explore our sustainable procurement policy

Local and Regional

Our mission is to make Durham University recognised as one of the most environmentally sustainable universities in the UK. To achieve this goal will require us to clearly demonstrate that our buildings achieve leading sustainable environmental design criteria and for us to target resources to promote sustainability to our stakeholders and occupants.

Sustainable Construction and Renovation Policy

Living the Values

With over 18,000 students and 4,000 staff members, the University produces between 2,500 and 3,000 tonnes of waste each year. Waste is generated through the residential Colleges,academic departments, catering outlets, professional service departments, libraries,museums and attractions, Graham Sports Centre, Durham Student’s Union, Green LaneDepot, and from capital building projects. Through our waste strategy we manage waste in a legally compliant and sustainable manner.

Waste Management Strategy

Wider Student Experience

We are working towards the Fairtrade University Award. Our Fairtrade Steering Group has evolved into the new Sustainable Procurement Group, and our updated Sustainable Procurement Policy reflects the University's commitment to the Fairtrade Award and to reducing supply chain emissions.

Richard Adams, a fair trade pioneer and founder of Traidcraft, was a student at St John's College in the 1960s. This tradition of supporting Fairtrade is continued within the University today. We host a schedule of fair trade events, including a range of activities in support of Fairtrade Fortnight. Our students are actively engaged with fairtrade activities, find out more about St John's fairtrade team

Fairtrade at St John's College

More examples of our work towards SDG 12

Waste disposal landfill policy

Durham University has established policies to measure and monitor waste sent to landfill and recycled, with firm commitments to reduce overall waste production. These policies are outlined in our Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy & Strategy, re-approved by the University Executive Committee in 2023. Additionally, they are integrated into our Waste Management Strategy, with targets reflected in our waste destination graphs for 2022/23 and 2023/24. These commitments are further reinforced within our comprehensive Sustainable Procurement Policy, and our Sustainability Ambition Statement (Pathways to Net Zero).

Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy & Strategy - 2023 UEC re-approved

Waste Management - Greenspace Movement policies and commitments

Waste Management Strategy

Sustainable Procurement Policy

Sustainable Ambition Statement

Policy for minimisation of plastic use

Durham University is committed to the responsible use of plastics, minimising waste, and actively identifying opportunities for reuse and responsible recycling. We aim to achieve this through continuous engagement with our world-leading academic research to explore innovative solutions for effective plastic management. Additionally, we have set stringent recycling targets to ensure sustainable practices are upheld across the University.

Reduction of Single Use Plastic Policy

Waste Management - Greenspace Movement policies and commitments

Durham University Creating Impact - Green Gown Awards 2024

Protecting our planet: How's DU's research helps to safeguard the environment