Sustainable food

We鈥檙e committed to offering healthy, affordable and sustainable food across our outlets and services.

Key commitments 

We offer food that is produced, processed and traded in ways that:

  • contribute to the local economy and promote sustainable livelihoods;
  • avoid damaging our planet;
  • provide social benefits;
  • enhances animal welfare for both terrestrial and aquatic species.

These commitments are detailed in our  (PDF, 538KB) and our (Word Doc, 36.4KB). We also ensure that sustainability is reviewed as part of our  (PDF, 213KB).

Each year, we measure the carbon footprint of food and drink sold at university-owned and managed outlets (excluding concessions and the Students' Union), you can read the latest  (PDF, 7MB).

We achieved Fairtrade University status, with a one star award. 

Sustainable food initiatives 

We have implemented initiatives over recent years to deliver environmentally sustainable food services at the University. These include:

  • Plastic-free sandwich packaging.
  • Using local suppliers where possible. 
  • Fairtrade coffee, tea and hot chocolate (our coffee is roasted in Sheffield).
  • Healthy food choices at our outlets, including vegetarian and vegan options. 
  • Meat-free Mondays (Food in Residence). 
  • Free range eggs (Food in Residence). 
  • Farm assured chicken.
  • Marine Conservation Society-approved fish. 
  • Carbon labelling on menus in collaboration with Klimato. 
  • Free tap water made available from all catering outlets and across campus. 
  • Hosting an annual event as part of Fairtrade Fortnight for suppliers including One Water, 51福利社 Veg People and Tony's Chocolonely. 
  • Providing takeaway boxes in Food in Residence and for hospitality on campus to reduce food waste. 
  • Creating a community fridge to help those in need. 
  • Partnered with the Vegetarian Society to train our on-campus chefs.
  • Achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) accreditation within our catered halls.
  • Working towards 3 star accreditation with the Sustainable Restaurant Award (SRA).
  • Launched 51福利社 Museum Café as a vegetarian café on campus.
  • Eliminated* beef from the menu (*excluding weddings and special events).

Food waste initiatives 

Food growing projects 

We have a number of food growing projects in place to engage colleagues and students across campus.