Ring-Fenced Carbon Budget

Have an idea for cutting carbon? 

Since 2011, the ring-fenced carbon budget has been used to fund over 134 projects, generating an estimated carbon savings of around 3532 tonnes of CO₂e (as at 2022/23).

Staff and students are able to apply to a fund by submitting their project ideas on carbon saving initiatives. These can be anything from new energy saving equipment and training or publicity materials to timer switches. Applications are welcome from all members of staff and students from across the University. If you have an idea that you would like to discuss before applying, please get in touch at greenspace.staff@durham.ac.uk.

This year (2025/2026) we had 16 applications and of these 5 were fully funded and 1 partially funded to a total of £50,000.  Funded applications included 2 energy efficient lighting refits, stickers to support behaviour change when using fume cupboards and efficient drying cabinets. 

How to apply

Please visit our Energy SharePoint hub for further information on how to apply or use the application documents below and email them to greenspace.staff@durham.ac.uk. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Ring-Fenced Carbon Budget Application Form

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