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.

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.

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