We have saved a huge 83096 kWh* of energy so far in Michaelmas Term, as we continue with our university-wide Switch Off campaign – which saw many of you pledge to make simple changes, from switching off lights and appliances when not in use, to only heating rooms when needed.
The campaign, which provides students and colleagues with helpful energy saving advice, will continue alongside many other activities this term that aim to help you be part of the movement toward a sustainable future.
Staying Platinum
Following a two-day external audit in December 2022 with EcoCampus, our Platinum award has been renewed.
The Energy and Sustainability Team (EST) regularly conduct an internal audit for each key area of the Environmental Management System, working closely with colleagues from across the University to ensure we are reducing our impact and complying with legislation.
The Auditors commented:
“An audit of Durham University was conducted to establish the extent to which the Environmental Management System (EMS) aligns with the requirements of the EcoCampus criteria. The audit was conducted over a two-day site visit and a one-day remote assessment. The management system continues to develop, and the Energy and Sustainability Team is expanding to provide additional resource to the university’s growing sustainability agenda.
The EST continue to demonstrate a good level of understanding of the environmental risks and control measures in place and have completed several internal audits across the university.
We look forward to continuing to improve our environmental performance and reduce our environmental impact!
Sustainability Varsity
Ever wondered which of our Colleges is the greenest? It’s time to find out as they go head-to-head in the Greenspace Sustainability Varsity competition!
The competition will be running over three weeks from 27 February, and will see students from each College competing in three week-long rounds focused around themes of ‘Get Involved’, ‘Energy’ and ‘Waste’.
The winning College will be crowned with the Professor David Harper Sustainability Varsity trophy at the Greenspace Festival in June.
Watch out for updates via social media, and on our Internal Communications channels!
* Your switch off actions have been converted into kWh saved, assuming they've been turned off every night and over the weekend. This uses average consumption figures for a laptop/PC, monitor, charger, desk plug and fan.