Durham University

93 to 19 – The Odorbac initiative

At Durham University, colleagues in our Accommodation and Commercial Services (ACS), and College Operations Directorate have been working collaboratively with our suppliers to identify and introduce a more sustainable range of cleaning products, whilst streamlining the number of products and improving safety for staff and students.

This collaboration has resulted in the Odorbac initiative; the introduction of a new range of cleaning products.  Odorbac is non-hazardous, non-irritant, non-carcinogenic, environmentally friendly and fully biodegradable. Implementing Odorbac has also significantly reduced our cleaning product range from 93 to 19, minimising our waste. As an added bonus, Odorbac is sourced from a local supplier, only 25 miles from the University, thereby also reducing supply chain emissions.

With over 500 staff working across our ACS, and College Operations, sustainable initiatives, such as this, that we implement, help multiply the positive impact we can have on the environment.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Efficient performance and increased community safety.
2. Breaking down previous obstacles to move towards more environmentally sustainable initiatives and barriers to change.
3. Financially sustainable while supporting the UN Sustainability Goals.