Catering Sustainability
Whenever possible, we strive to use locally and ethically sourced meat, fruit and vegetables. Our seasonal and varied menus reflect that commitment together with our dedication to sustainably cater for all dietary requirements including gluten free and vegan options which are on offer daily.
We are committed to the aims set out in our Sustainable Catering Policy; which outlines our commitment to providing a high-quality and sustainable catering and hospitality service across UON estates.
Sustainable Catering
When we go global for resources, the UON Ethical and Sustainable Procurement Policy ensures that we choose partners that follow our ethos and champion sustainability practices.
Our commitment to providing daily vegan menu options across all out outlets has been recognised through our Vegan Society Accreditation and we are now applying for our accreditation with Food for Life by Academic Year 25/26.
We are constantly looking at ways to reduce our food waste and promote sustainable consumption. We have signed up to the Guardians of Grub initiative which supports the monitoring and reporting of the food being wasted and enables us to find ways to reduce our overall food waste. This is done through sufficient portion sizes ensuring minimal waste from the plate and initiatives such as Too Good To Go.
In efforts to reduce waste from our catering outlets further we encourage students and staff to bring in their own reusable coffee cups and have a “latte levy” in place for times when a disposable cup is needed. We run regular giveaways to encourage sustainable practices such as a free re-useable cup when a coffee and cake is purchased between 2pm and 3pm.
After a sustainability audit of Single Use items in circulation, we removed certain items such as individual sauce packets and plastic cutlery. To reduce the amount of take away boxes used whilst eating in, we charge a 20p levy, and instead there is crockery and metal cutlery available for those dining in our eating establishments.
UON provide free access to drinking water is across our estates – water coolers can be found on each floor in all academic buildings. In areas such as the Sports Pavillion, we have standalone water stations, and we use a company who collect the large bottles when they are empty to be reused again. As of 2025, we installed a Reverse Vending Machine in the Market where staff and students can recycle their plastic bottles and cans in exchange for reward points.
Engagement and Community: Sustainable food
Do you have a sustainable food project idea? Why not become a Sustainability Champion?
The Sustainability Champions are staff and students who are interested in raising environmental awareness and attending behaviour change events whether as guests or volunteers, with key topics around nature, food, energy, recycling, waste, and community.
If you are a UON student or staff member and would like more information on the Sustainability Champions, email: environment@northampton.ac.uk.