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Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability
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Examples of our actions towards SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

We have mapped the SDGs onto our research, teaching, wider student experience & global activities. We use this information to assess our impact, identify gaps and consider where to focus efforts to deliver an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable institution. Read our Annual Report

Annual Report - contributing towards the SDGs Read our case studies - SDG Accord Report 2023

Research

The N8 Research Partnership, the strategic collaboration of the eight most research-intensive Universities in the North of England: Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York, is working to create the basis for supporting economic growth focused on the green economy. N8 Net Zero North will drive growth in the green economy in the North of England and beyond by co-producing research & innovation with businesses & other stakeholders to meet real-world challenges
The N8 Research Partnership
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Wider Student Experience

The Matariki Network Global Citizenship programme enables students to gain a Global Citizenship micro-credential, demonstrating to the world that participants developed the skills to tackle complex global issues. Students will also become apart of the 117,000+ Global Common Purpose Alumni network made up of students, emerging and senior leaders from across the world.
The Matariki Network Global Citizenship programme
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Global

We have partnered with industry, for example with our award-winning strategic partnership with P&G, enabling unique and globally scalable innovations that have improved billions of consumers' lives around the world.
Partnership improved billions of consumers' lives around the world
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Local and Regional

We’re proud to be working together with partners for the good of our city, county and region we’ve been part of for nearly 200 years. One key partner is our local authority, Durham County Council, and now we’ve committed to strengthening our already successful partnership. In line with County Durham’s Economic Inclusive green strategy, we are creating innovation plans that will help the county accelerate towards an inclusive, green and sustainable future.
Find out about our Memorandum Of Understanding with DCC
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Governance and Policy

The Sustainable Development Goals Disclosure Recommendations offer a new approach for businesses and other organisations to address sustainable development issues aligned to the three most influential and popular reporting frameworks. They attempt to establish a best practice for corporate reporting on the SDGs and enable more effective and standardized reporting and transparency on climate change, social and other environmental impacts.
Sustainable Development Goals Disclosure (SDGD) Recommendations
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University and industry renewable energy partnership

A project to improve wind turbine technology that involves researchers at Durham University has been shortlisted for a global sustainability award. The partnership, specifically aims to support research into real-life issues identified by industrial partners.

External Partnerships Shortlisted Awards

More examples of our work towards SDG17

 

Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy

SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

How Durham University evaluates students’ ability to learn and retain key concepts of sustainability (measure sustainability literacy of our students):

Durham University measures sustainability literacy through a combination of curriculum integration, participation tracking, and engagement assessment. Environmental sustainability is embedded across most degree programmes, and all staff and students are encouraged to complete an online Environmental Sustainability training module, which helps evaluate awareness and understanding of sustainability concepts.

Progress in sustainability literacy is further assessed through the University’s Engagement and Communications Strategy and Action Plan, which provides baseline (2019) and updated data to track engagement and learning outcomes among students and staff.

Students’ understanding is also monitored through participation in sustainability initiatives, such as the Greenspace Calendar, student-led projects funded through the Ringfenced Carbon Budget, and involvement in university committees like the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Planning Group and SDG Group, where students contribute to real-world sustainability decisions.

These mechanisms collectively ensure Durham evaluates and enhances students’ capacity to learn, apply, and retain sustainability knowledge across academic and practical settings.

 

Durham University – Dedicated Educational and Outreach Activities for the wider community Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals

 Durham University is committed to contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, and meaningful engagement with local and global communities. Across the University, a wide range of outreach programmes and partnerships extend learning opportunities and social impact well beyond the campus; supporting schools, local residents, alumni, and displaced or refugee communities. Through education, research, and meaningful partnerships, Durham University is promoting sustainability, social responsibility, and opportunities for lifelong learning. Below some examples of our work:

Educational and Community Outreach

Durham’s outreach and civic engagement programmes offer opportunities for schools, families, and lifelong learners to engage with University research and expertise.
The University works closely with partners across County Durham and the North East to deliver workshops, volunteering initiatives, and community events that promote education, sustainability, and inclusion.

  • Outreach, Civic and Regional Engagement – interactive programmes, school partnerships, and volunteering opportunities connecting the University with local communities.
  • ECO2 Smart Schools / ECO2 Conference of Partners 29 (COP29) Schools Climate Conference – a county-wide collaboration with local authorities and schools to raise awareness of energy efficiency and climate action, engaging pupils and teachers in SDG-focused learning and sustainability practices.
  • Durham for Refugees – Through our Durham University Student Volunteering and Outreach (DUSVO) a student-led initiative and in collaboration with Durham City of Sanctuary providing educational and social support for refugee and asylum-seeker families in County Durham, including a weekly Kids’ Club focused on learning and community integration.

 Learning for All

Durham offers a wide range of opportunities for the public to learn, engage, and explore new ideas through lectures, courses, and activities designed for wider community participation, including alumni and local residents.

  • Learn – Durham University – explore courses, events, and lectures open to everyone, from cultural activities to lifelong learning opportunities.

 

Global Citizenship and Climate Engagement

Durham University hosts and supports a number of events that foster dialogue on sustainability, global responsibility, and climate action, connecting researchers, students, policymakers, and the wider public.

  • COP Debrief at Durham Castle (2024) – a public event led by the Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy, reflecting on outcomes from COP discussions and exploring pathways toward local and global sustainability action.

 

Alumni and Volunteering Engagement

Alumni engagement / volunteering — Durham’s alumni network plays an active role in supporting the University’s outreach and educational goals. Through mentoring, volunteering, and community initiatives, alumni help strengthen connections between the University and society.