If Universities Went Vegan, They Could Save As Much As £1.4M in Catering Costs & Cut Emissions by 80%

A study has found that if UK universities transitioned to a fully plant-based catering menu, they could save up to £1.5M annually and lower emissions by 80%. Plant-based meals were found to be 30% cheaper than meat and 21% cheaper than vegetarian dishes, emitting 84% fewer greenhouse gases compared to meat-rich options. The report suggests that universities should commit to a phased shift to a 100% plant-based menu by 2030, engage and educate stakeholders, implement a plant-based by default approach, and utilize support services to increase the plant protein ratio.

By making these changes, universities could cut food procurement costs by 27% and reduce emissions by 79%, with associated reductions in water consumption and land use. Some universities have already taken steps towards introducing 100% plant-based menus, with students' unions at various institutions voting in favor of the transition.