University scored under 50 for 6/14 environmental categories

This included 6 of the 14 total categories where the University scored under 50%. These were ethical careers and recruitments, workers rights, energy sources, waste and recycling, carbon reduction and water reduction.

The University was also highlighted by People and Planet for not meeting their emissions reduction target, a result taken from the Universites estate plan.

Jack Ballingham, Durham Students Unions Opportunities Officer recognises the fall in ranking, saying on twitter, “Always good to see @durham_uni scoring fairly highly, but a bit of a slip from 30th to 39th this year – highlights the importance of student campaigns for fossil-free careers and the Real Living Wage!”

A Durham University spokesperson said: “Our vision (is) to deliver the University’s mission of excellence in education, research and wider student experience in the most sustainable way possible.

“We were the most improved university in the country in the People and Planet University League 2021, rising 66 places to 30th. In the 2022 rankings, we are still in the top ten Russell Group universities, and our ambition is to achieve a ‘First’ classification.

“Recently we have been ranked 53rd in the global QS Sustainability Rankings, become a founding signatory of the Nature Positive Pledge and launched new master’s programmes in environment-related subject areas.

“We have also introduced a Sustainable Careers Policy and actively promote sustainable careers. This summer we funded students to complete paid internships at businesses to implement initiatives aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Durham Student Union received 0/10 in the ranking by People and Planet. This was due to the organisation not reaching the goal of “continual improvement towards environmental sustainability”.

People and Planet derived this score by looking at Durham SU’s website to see if there was a scheme for environmental sustainability and to see if the Student Union worked towards a “green impact”.

A Durham SU spokesperson said on the score that “While we recognise that sustainability work hasn’t been one of our priority areas recently as different candidates are elected to our Student Officer positions, Durham SU has continued working with students on these issues.

“Our student foodbank is also working with the Ugly Fruit Group to help reduce the fresh fruit and veg waste that comes from supermarkets. 90% of our coffee served in Kingsgate Bar and Café is ethically sourced. We’re also proud to be the home to 16 of environmental groups and are excited to be working towards housing beehives in some of our outdoor spaces.

“While the students’ union aspect of the score is worth 0.5% of the total, we recognise there is always more work to be done in this area. We’re always very open to working with any student groups or students at Durham who want to  campaign on sustainability, and we’ll continue helping with lobbying efforts.

“One key area that UK universities must take action on is ending recruitment relationships with oil, gas and mining companies, highlighted by only 3% of the sector having implemented such policies in the year’s ranking. It is vital that we end the recruitment pipeline into the industries most responsible for the climate crisis, and universities meet that challenge urgently.”

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