Durham University | Turning Sustainability Awareness into Action
Designing accessible, engaging digital learning that helps a diverse university community understand sustainability and its part in delivering change.
01 • THE CHALLENGE
The Challenge
How do you turn mandatory sustainability training into an experience that genuinely inspires people to make a difference?
Durham University wanted to rethink its existing environmental sustainability training for incoming students and staff. The previous Blackboard-based course needed a more dynamic, engaging approach that would go beyond presenting information to encourage greater understanding, participation and sustainable behaviour.
The challenge was to bring together a broad range of environmental subjects, University research, policies and initiatives into a coherent learning experience that would resonate with a diverse audience.
Crucially, the module needed to demonstrate how individuals could contribute to the University's sustainability ambitions, from making everyday decisions to becoming involved in the Greenspace Movement.
It also had to be accessible, reflect the University's established identity and integrate with its existing learning environment.
02 • THE thinking & Doing
Our Thinking & Solution
We recognised that the opportunity wasn't simply to modernise the appearance of an existing training course. It was to rethink how sustainability information could be communicated in a way that felt relevant, motivating and actionable.
Working closely with Durham University, we shaped the content into a structured interactive learning journey covering six key sustainability themes: Biodiversity, Energy, Ethical Procurement, Travel, Waste and Water.
An introductory section established the context for the Greenspace Movement, helping learners understand the University's environmental ambitions and how its sustainability initiatives connect with the wider climate challenge.
Rather than overwhelming users with information, we designed a clear, accessible 30–40-minute experience that presented complex subjects in manageable sections.
Infographics, short films, audio, interactive activities and practical prompts helped make the content more engaging, while optional deeper learning allowed users to explore areas of particular interest.
The learning approach placed particular emphasis on connecting knowledge with practical action, helping students and staff recognise how they could contribute to a more sustainable campus.
Accessibility was considered throughout, with content and interactions designed to accommodate different learning preferences and needs.
Behind the creative experience, the module was developed for compatibility and integration with the University's learning platform, ensuring it could be delivered through existing induction processes.
03 • RESULTS & IMPACT
The Impact
The completed module transformed a traditionally text-heavy subject into a more accessible, visually engaging and interactive learning experience.
Successfully tested and launched, it became part of Durham University's induction programme for new students and staff, providing a consistent introduction to the University's sustainability commitments and opportunities for involvement.
Positive stakeholder feedback recognised the quality and usability of the learning experience.
By combining clear educational content, thoughtful interaction design and practical technical delivery, OSP helped Durham create a scalable digital resource designed to connect sustainability awareness with meaningful participation.
“Thanks for all of your hard work on this – I think it looks great!!”
Sally Hughes
"Thanks for this. We’ve had some really nice feedback from some of our Estates testers"
Simon Park
