University of Sussex

Greens & Grains: Sussex Uni food journey to low-carbon meals

At Sussex Uni Food, our dedication to sustainability aligns with Compass Group UK & Ireland's ambitious Climate Net Zero initiative by 2030, and the University of Sussex’s Sustainable Food and Agriculture Policy. Operating 8 cafes, a restaurant, a frictionless shop, and catering conferences, we provide 24-hour food to our diverse community.

Employing a comprehensive strategy, we prioritise sustainability, health, and inclusivity in our food offerings. Our commitment to excellence is exemplified by our recent achievement of a 92% score in the SRA standard, securing our third consecutive 3-star rating and placing us among the top 10 businesses globally with a score exceeding 90%.

Through innovative initiatives like carbon labelling, waste reduction technologies and community support programs, we continuously aim to minimise our environmental impact, promote healthy lifestyles, and support a sense of community. The estimated carbon emission savings of our sustainability projects is 25.95 tCO2e.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We learned that non-vegans would reduce meat consumption if offered fresh, tasty vegan options.
2. Our experience showed that investing in waste reduction technology greatly reduces environmental impact and costs.
3. Having staff on board is critical to the success of the initiatives. Always prioritise training.