University of Cambridge - Darwin College

Darwin College Kitchens: Leading by example for planet-conscious dining

Darwin College has become a sustainability leader among Cambridge Colleges, driven by Catering Manager Ivan Higney and supported by senior management, students, and the wider community. The initiative, recognised through multiple awards includes key projects such as:

1. Student Engagement: Promoting plant-based diets, through its Green Week and a 100% vegan May Ball.
2. Education: Training chefs at local restaurants, educational trips, seasonal recipes, and themed lecture series.
3. Procurement: Eliminating ruminant meat and endangered fish, using compostable packaging, and banning disposable cups.
4. Menu Engineering: Prioritizing plant-based and seasonal options, with research-informed food placement and subsidies.
5. Academic Collaboration: Engaging in sustainability research and initiatives like CamEATS ZERO.
6. Waste Management: Monitoring food waste, operating a community fridge, and sending compostable waste to specialist suppliers.

Darwin College's achievements include significant student involvement, high-profile event catering, and numerous awards, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We have shown that change is possible by dramatically changing our menus and practices.
2. We believe that collaboration is essential for change, between staff, students, and researchers.
3. We believe that all our future actions must be informed by our sustainable principles and academic findings.