Conforming to UNSDG12.3: Food Loss and Waste Reporting in UK Universities

Purpose: Reducing Food Waste and Loss (sustainable development goal (SDG) 12.3) is imperative for countries across the global North and South, albeit with differing challenges to address. Through a conceptual case study approach of the United Kingdom’s policy and progress regarding SDG 12.3, this chapter provides an informed overview of how this target is interdependent with other SDGs. It illuminates how this interdependence has led to some lack of clarity in reporting communications within the university sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: The chapter highlights global challenges and policy responses to food loss and waste, and how these underpin SDG 12.3. This conceptual article spotlights a lack of consistency in SDG targets and university ranking approaches through an exploratory examination of a leading SDG ranking for universities and associated university website communications. Findings: An evaluation of how food loss and waste are captured in global university rankings and guidance frameworks finds that these need to be developed to be more consistent with SDG targets and indicators. In particular, university reporting on SDG 2 Zero Hunger captures actions on food waste reduction that, according to the SDG targets, should more naturally align with SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production. Practical Implications: More rigorous and transparent reporting and communications on food waste and loss reporting aligned to the SDG targets can eliminate confusion caused by closely intersecting areas (such as SDG 2 and SDG 12). This has implications for the university sector in positioning the exemplary best practices to lead the way for other sectors.