Green Gown Awards 2021: Campus Health, Food and Drink - University of Plymouth - Highly Commended

From local sourcing to agricultural robotics

Plymouth’s approach to delivering sustainable, healthy food looks at the whole life cycle of production, including research and development into innovative technology to solve the emerging pressures in the agricultural supply chain. It ensures local sourcing, local disposal, high quality ethical and sustainable products, while also developing innovative robotics, vertical plant factories, soil manufacture and speciality Cornish crops to support agriculture for the future as it looks to respond to climate change and growing populations.

The University of Plymouth believes that understanding and managing the impact that its actions have on people and the environment, both locally and globally, is an essential part of being a socially and responsible transparent institution. What its staff and students eat, and drink has a significant impact on the producers throughout the supply chain, on the health of its consumers, and on the wider environment. So it is seeking to effect change, not just through conscious purchasing but also through developing revolutionary farming practices to help address industry pressures.

Top 3 learnings:

• Review impacts of decisions throughout the supply chain.
• Engage and partner with innovative local producers.
• Partner with health faculties to review nutritional factors in the food and drink offer.