Responsible consumption and production 2020

The University of Huddersfield spends c. £46m through Procurement Services each year, and makes a commitment to being exemplars of best practice when it comes to Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility.

In food and drink, as well as ending plastics use in catering services, the new cafe in the Sovereign Design House has begun to offer the first disposable-free experience on campus. In-house food and drink beverages are only served on crockery, while take-outs are only available to customers who bring their own reusable mugs or containers.

The University began piloting new waste management streams during 2018/19 in order to reduce contamination and ensure the collection of good quality recyclable material. This resulted in an improvement with an average of 59.4% of waste being recycled between June and August. Paper and cardboard: new paper and cardboard bins were piloted in the library and offices covering a quarter of the University. Local firm Sonoco collect and process the paper at their site in Greetland. Following the success of the pilot, the scheme has been expanded across campus.