The University takes pride in gaining external recognition for its environmental behaviour. Below are a few examples of where initiatives and practices at the University have been externally recognised and/or rewarded.

• Northumbria in Bloom 2018 - Gold Award for the Botanic Garden for the Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate
• EAUC International Green Gown Award 2017 - Finalist of Community Category for Van Mildert College Outreach
• Durham County Environment Awards 2017 - Climate Change 'Category Winner' for The Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics
• EAUC Green Gown Awards 2017 - Winner of the Community Category for Van Mildert College Outreach
• EAUC Green Gown Awards 2017 - Finalist in the Community Category for the Green Move Out Scheme
• Northumbria in Bloom 2017 - Gold Award for the Botanic Garden for the Tourist and Visitor Attractions and Country Estates Category
• Durham County Environment Awards 2016 - 'Highly Commended' for the New University Data Centre in the Climate Change Category
• Northumbria in Bloom 2016 - Gold Award for the Botanic Garden for the Tourist and Visitor Attractions and Country Estates Category
• North East England Tourism Awards 2016 - Highly Commended for Sustainable Tourism
• Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold Award: Collingwood (2016), Hatfield (2016), University (2016), Van Mildert (2016), Oriental Museum (2016), St Aidan's & Durham University Business School (2016). Silver Award: Grey (2016), St Chad's (2016), St Hild & St Bede (2016), St Mary's (2016), Botanic Garden (2016), Yum Catering (2016).
• EAUC Green Gown Awards 2015 - Winner in the Continuous Improvement category for Greenspace: Branding the Message
• Sustainable Restaurant Association 2015 - Catering Department awarded three star rating for commitment to sustainable food provision
• Durham County Environment Awards 2015 - Green Move Out (Award) and Greenspace: Branding the Message (Commendation)
• North East England Tourism Awards 2015 - Silver Award for Sustainable Tourism
• Northumbria in Bloom 2015 - Gold Award for the Botanic Garden for the Tourist and Visitor Attractions and Country Estates Category
• Green Apple Environment Awards 2014 - Gold Award for Catering
• Durham County Environment Awards 2014 - Durham Business School Refurbishment (Award) and Catering 'Green Watch' (Award)
• North East Tourism Awards 2014 - Gold Award for 'Sustainable Tourism'
• Northumbria in Bloom 2014 - Gold Award for the Botanic Garden for Grounds of Hospitals, Universities and other Public Buildings Category, together with the University of Durham
• Northumbria in Bloom 2014 - Gold Award for the Botanic Garden together with Durham City, in the large town category and overall category winner
• EAUC Green Gown Awards 2014 - 'Highly Commended' in the category of Construction and Refurbishment for the redevelopment of the Durham Business School
• Green Tourism Business Scheme Goldstar Award 2013 - University College (Josephine Butler College were shortlisted for this award).
• EAUC Green Gown Awards 2013 - 'Highly Commended' in the categories of Carbon Reduction, Facilities and Services and Student and Staff Engagement
• North East Tourism Awards 2013 - Silver award for 'Sustainable Tourism'
• Durham County Environment Awards 2013 - Biophilia (commendation) and Gateway project (Outstanding Award)
• Carbon Trust Standard - March 2013 (expired December 2014)
• North East Tourism Awards 2012 - 2 Silver Awards, one in the Business Tourism category and one in the Sustainable Tourism category. The Botanic Garden received a Highly Commended Award in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category
• Durham County Environment Awards 2012 - 2 Built Environment Awards and commendations in the Climate Change and Greener Business categories.
• Durham County Environment Awards 2011 - Green Move Out Scheme received an Award
• Spring 2011 - Durham University including the Colleges was awarded Green Check status from Groundwork
• EAUC Green Gown Award 2011 - Leading the way in sustainable food procurement
• Fairtrade accredited University
• EAUC Green Gown Award 2010 - How supplier engagement addresses the Corporate Social Agenda at Durham University
• 21st Durham County Environment Awards 2010 - Green Move Out scheme received a Commendation
• Chronicle Go Green Awards 2008 - Environmental Business of the Year
• EAUC Green Gown Award 2008 - Best Student Initiative: Sustainable Living Action Group