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Greenspace Movement
Durham Cathedral and Castle Skyline

Energy Management Policy

Mission

Durham University recognises that, as a major user of energy, it has an important role to play in helping to tackle climate change by significantly reducing its CO2 emissions. We are committed to responsible energy management and the highest standards in energy efficiency. It is in the University's best interest to reduce the amount of money it spends on energy, releasing funds for other purposes. At the same time, reducing energy consumption helps the University to reduce its environmental impact.

Aims

As a key element of the University's Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy, and consistent with the University's wider objectives and the resources available, the Energy Management Policy aims to:

  • reduce fuel consumption through the introduction of energy-efficient measures;
  • increase awareness of energy issues and encourage all members of the University to help reduce energy consumption whenever they can;
  • ensure that the highest energy-efficient design standards are included in all new buildings;
  • wherever possible, obtain energy from sustainable sources.

The Energy Management Plan has been refreshed in 2025/2026 and was discussed at the University's Estates Capital Planning Spend Committee in May 2026. Its implementation will be discussed at the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Planning Group (ESSPG) in July 2026. It can be seen at Energy Management Plan 2026.pdf

Carbon Management 

Our Carbon Management Plan contains detailed information about our carbon emissions and the actions we will take to reduce them. This details the actions the University has committed to take as part of our Sustainability Action Plan, approved by the University Executive Committee (UEC) in July 2021.

Read the plan: Carbon Management Plan 2026.pdf

Last updated: July 2026