Redesigning Food Systems at Chichester: A Whole Lifecycle Approach

About

The University of Chichester has transformed its campus food and drink system through a whole lifecycle, data-driven approach integrating sustainable procurement, catering operations, behaviour change, and waste management. By redesigning systems rather than relying on awareness campaigns, the University has eliminated single-use cups through an innovative reuse scheme, removing 85,000 cups annually and saving 6 tonnes of CO₂e.

Circular economy principles extend across operations, with food waste segregation, reusable systems, and plans for container reuse. Social and environmental impact are combined through UKHarvest partnerships and community fridges, redistributing 1.1 tonnes of surplus food, providing over 2,600 meals, and supporting students facing food insecurity.

Governance structures, student engagement, and Carbon Literacy training embed sustainability across the institution, supported by real-time data to drive decisions and continuous improvement. This approach demonstrates how whole-system design can turn campus food and drink from waste into a driver of sustainable, inclusive and lasting positive change.

Top 3 learnings

1. We learned system design drives behaviour change more effectively than awareness campaigns.

2. We found removing barriers is key to embedding sustainable behaviours at scale.

3. We saw surplus food can deliver environmental and social value when redistributed.

What it would mean to win 

Winning a Green Gown Award would be incredibly meaningful for the University of Chichester, particularly as this is the first time we have applied. It would be a fantastic recognition of the progress we have made over the past few years in embedding sustainability into our food and drink systems and across the wider institution. Internally, it would help us build on this momentum, reinforcing the value of the work that staff, students, and partners have contributed to, and encouraging further engagement and innovation. It would also be a great way to celebrate the efforts of our catering teams and collaborators who have been central to delivering change on the ground. Externally, the award would give us a stronger platform to share our approach, inspire others, and demonstrate how meaningful, system-led change is possible within higher education. It would motivate us to keep progressing and continue raising our ambitions.

SDGs

12. Responsible consumption and production