Sustainable Catering
We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of seasonal, local and ethically sourced meals across our main catering outlets.
The Sustainable Restaurant Association awarded Nottingham Trent University “The Three Star Food Made Good Sustainability Award” status in July 2023. This is accredited to all of NTU's catering offers, including our catering outlets and Hospitality and Conference catering.
The Restaurant association commended the Catering team's work toward ethical sourcing, community benefit and environmental impact, particularly in areas such as reducing our carbon footprint and repurposing of food waste.
Our Catering team takes sustainability very seriously. In all outlets, they offer free tap water to all customers, recycle all food waste and cooking oil, and use environmentally friendly takeaway packaging wherever possible. The Catering team also donate unsold and in-date sandwiches to local charity Matthew 25:40, which distributes them to the vulnerable community in Nottingham.
Our Catering and Procurement teams also prioritise sustainable sourcing, with a range of MSC, Red Tractor, Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade products, amongst others on offer. Where possible the team source local and seasonal produce.
Reducing meat and dairy consumption has been identified as one of the key actions that individuals and organisations can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Of NTU's catering offer 55% is vegetarian, with 64% of this being suitable for vegans and 72% of all produce is sourced from the UK with 22% from the local area.
However, it is important to recognise that there is wide variability in livestock farming practices. Environmentally sensitive systems of livestock production can provide valuable habitat for a wide variety of insect, bird and mammal species, and permanent grassland can provide carbon sinks, offsetting the sector emissions. Where possible, catering utilises beef and lamb sourced from our Brackenhurst campus for graduation dinners.
Read our Sustainable Food and Beverage Statement
Find out more about the Catering team's great work.
Foodshare Allotment
Now into its ninth year, the Foodshare Allotment is a food-growing project open to all students and staff for volunteering. As a volunteer, you will learn how to grow pesticide-free fruit and vegetables and gain some great skills while getting some fresh air. All volunteers get a share of the produce grown, and the rest is donated to local charities and community cafes.
Take a look at the ongoing work taking place at the Foodshare allotment and how to get involved.
The Foodshare Allotment can be found on our Clifton Campus, next to the Peverell hall of residence. It is a joint project run by the Sustainability Team, Loughborough road Team, Nottingham Trent Students’ Union, and UPP.
Love Local Nottingham
We've compiled an alternative map of Nottingham – full of independent cafes, cycling facilities, ethical businesses, and things to do in the great outdoors.
The map is viewable on Google Maps. Please note that Internet Explorer 9 or higher (or an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox) is required to view the map.
Water Fountains
We have several water fountains located across all of our campuses which provide free cold water for staff and students. View our map to see where these are located.