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Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability

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A World Leader in Sustainability

We’ve been recognised as one of the top universities in the world for taking action to address the most pressing Environment, Social and Governance challenges facing society today.

We’re always developing new ways of thinking to shape a better future for people and our planet. We’ve signed the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) Accord, where we pledged our commitment to one another to do more and create a better world by ending poverty, fighting inequality and addressing the urgency of climate change.
Find out about our work towards the SDGs
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Our commitment to deliver solutions

We are committed to delivering solutions to the net-zero transition. We are well-placed to contribute to delivering solutions in the broad areas of energy, food, health, social impact and water.

Our research strength in energy spans all four faculties. Research by Durham Energy Institute ensures sustainable and resilient low-carbon systems can be developed to meet the needs of different contexts and ensure fair access for everyone. Sustainability plays a part in new buildings. Our latest additions of the Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science hub, Teaching and Learning Centre, and Sports and Wellbeing Complex were built to one of the highest BREEAM specifications for sustainability.

Find out more about our work on sustainability

Nurturing tomorrow's world changers

As a global population, we continue to see a range of global challenges brought about by issues that we need to tackle together.

Climate change, energy use, sustainable living and disease are just some of the many world-changing areas that we need to focus on now to help make a positive long-term difference. We offer a wide range of programmes, covering many subject areas to help our students become global leaders of change.
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Our sustainability policies

We have a dedicated Energy and Sustainability Team, which coordinates environmental initiatives across the University with the help of environmental champions and student representatives.

Our policies Our reports

Latest news

Ensuring Durham stays a wonderful place to study, work and live

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O'Brien, explores how we are putting sustainability at the heart of our operations.

Durham news
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Durham’s world-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2024

Our status as a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence has been affirmed once again in the QS World University Rankings 2024, being ranked 78th in the world.
Durham news
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Go Green at Greenspace Festival

Our third annual Greenspace Festival will take place on Wednesday 14 June, from 12pm – 5pm at Grey College. The festival celebrates our student environment groups, researchers, local charities and sustainable businesses, by showcasing the work they do to tackle climate change and drive sustainable development.
Durham news
Greenspace Festival 2023
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We are an inclusive community

At Durham, our people are our most important asset. We believe that our success is tied to being able to attract, retain and develop outstanding staff and students from all backgrounds and identities.

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Our University Strategy

As part of the University Strategy Refresh, we have developed a revised statement of institutional purpose which will guide the choices that we make and the communications that we issue about the revised Strategy.

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