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Greenspace Movement
Durham Cathedral and Castle Skyline

Working Groups

Environmental Sustainability Strategic Planning Group

The Environmental Sustainability Strategic Planning Group oversee the University's Environmental, Vision, Policy and Strategy and are an advisory body to the University Executive Committee (UEC). The Group meet three times a year to discuss environmental issues in the University. The Group reviews, on behalf of UEC, the University’s environmental policies, keeping UEC regularly informed of progress made in implementing the policies. The diverse nature of the University is well represented on this Group with membership consisting of both staff and students.

Sustainable Procurement Steering Group

This group meets once a term to discuss the development and implementation of Fairtrade Policy within the University. The Group consists of staff, student's union representatives and students.

Single Use Plastic Working Party

As you might be aware we signed, Durham County Councils pledge to:

  • Significantly reduce and work towards ultimately removing the use of unnecessary single-use plastics from our operations; and
  • Encourage and support others to do the same.

The newly established Single Use Plastic Working Party, have been working hard to phase out unnecessary plastic from Durham University.

Integrated Sustainable Travel Plan Steering Group

The Integrated Sustainable Travel Plan Steering Group provides the management support required to take forward the strategic decisions of the University relating to Travel Planning, including contributing to the establishment of the Integrated Sustainable Travel Plan 2020-2025. The Group’s membership consists of both University staff and student representatives including Trade Union members, as well as external representation from Durham County Council. The Group has a Terms of Reference.

Biodiversity Sub-Group

The Biodiversity Sub-Group (BSG) is a sub-committee of the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Planning Group (ESSPG) providing strategic oversight of the University’s commitment to Biodiversity and ecosystems across it’s Estate. The Sub-Group is Chaired by a member of ESSPG. The purpose of the Group is to ensure that Durham University’s unique Biodiversity is protected and supported, allowing it to thrive. This objective will be delivered through a collaborative, involving all sectors of the University, it’s community and the wider community of Durham City.

Staff and Student Networks

Greenspace Student Environment Group

The Greenspace Student Environment Group is a University initiative consisting of elected student college Environment Representatives, overseen by the Greenspace Sustainability Coordinator. The Group's objective is to encourage students to adopt environmentally sustainable behaviours. Alongside working within the colleges, the Group organises University-wide events throughout the year and also acts as a platform for student-led environmental projects. The Group meets fortnightly during term time to share progress and plan campaigns.

Staff Environment Champions

A staff representative(s) from every department and college within the University makes up the Environment Champions network. The Environment Champion(s) acts as an environmental advocate and champions best practice for their department or college. The Champions also act as a vital two-way communication between Greenspace and their respective department or college. Each of the seventeen colleges has an Environment Team, of which the Environment Champion is a member.