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Energy and Sustainability here at Durham

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At Durham we’re developing new ways of thinking, shaping a better future for people and planet… but we can’t do it alone. Together we can make an impact.

It has been an incredible journey: from first launching the Green Move Out in 2005 and establishing the first Carbon Management Plan, to more recently achieving the Platinum Eco Campus award in 2020.

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and improving the local environment. Greenspace was created in 2010 to bring together all of Durham University’s environmental plans, policies, and procedures.

It has been an incredible journey: from first launching the Green Move Out in 2005 and establishing the first Carbon Management Plan, to more recently achieving the Platinum Eco Campus award in 2020.

This year we have been busy developing a new Sustainability Strategy, establishing the Biodiversity Sub-Group, developing a new Biodiversity Action Plan and conducting audits and reviews of various policies and procedures.


Our Greenspace Festival

We had a great time at our first Greenspace Festival, it was good to meet so many of our partners and student leaders for the first time in person and meet new faces. We were blessed with good weather, and despite Covid-19 the event was well attended, stallholders included: Durham Wildlife Trust; the Wear River’s Trust; Durham Students’ Union; the Ugly Fruit Group; Recyke y’ Bike; the Eco Stall; Staff and Student Volunteering; Durham Energy Institute; and the Energy & Sustainability Team.

To find out more about the event and to add to our Pledge Tree, head over to our Greenspace Festival Sway


Cycle September – the global bike challenge

This September, thousands of businesses and people from around the world are coming together to celebrate biking with a little friendly competition. We’re in, are you?

Anyone can take part in Cycle September - simply ride anytime, anywhere for just 10 minutes or more and you’ll be entered into the amazing prize draws.

Early this year was Bike Month when we collectively cycled 2,637 miles, over 20 people got involved and we gain 3 new riders. Let’s see if we can beat this, and cycle over 4,000 miles.

We’re offering free cycling coaching sessions to students and staff to help increase confidence in cycling and share skills to help beginners. Please register your interest in the free beginner sessions and email greenspace.staff@durham.ac.uk.

If you’re not already part of Love to Ride – visit our website

If you’d like to find out more about active and sustainable travel, then visit the website. 


My Greenspace Impact so far...

The Energy & Sustainability Team has worked with wellbeing and sustainability engagement specialists ‘Jump’ to develop an interactive ‘My Greenspace’ app, which allows users to gain points by logging activities across a range of areas including getting involved; biodiversity; energy and water; waste; travel; and health and wellbeing. We are currently trialling the app, and throughout the first two months of the pilot, users and teams logged over 2,100 actions which saved 4,965 kWh from switching off and over 390 hours of exercise logged.

Staff and students have submitted healthy recipes, photos from mindful crafts and reconnecting with nature. Here are some of our favourites so far…

Coming up

We have launched the Greenspace Movement and this year you can get involved with all our events by downloading the ‘My Greenspace Calendar’ over on durham.ac.uk/greenspace
For more updates sign up for our Greenspace Newsletter

Or follow us on Facebook or Instagram at
@DUGreenspace

Get in touch

Email
greenspace.staff@durham.ac.uk or greenspace.students@durham.ac.uk

 

 

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