Plant-Based Universities

Plant-Based Universities is an international student-led campaign calling for universities and Students' Unions to adopt fully plant-based catering.^[1][2] The campaign began in late 2021^[3] in response to the climate crisis.^[4] Its chapters have initiated votes in Students' Unions and, as of April 2025, had been successful in one Austrian, one Dutch, one Swedish, two German, two Swiss and thirteen British universities, with around 60 active campaigns across nine countries.

Logo of Plant-Based Universities

Participating universities

As of February 2025, the campaign had been successful in the following universities:

• University of Stirling was the first one to move to ban animal products from its outlets. The campaign had been backed by BBC presenter and conservationist Chris Packham. Journalist and activist George Monbiot also expressed his support, saying the students were "leading the way in tackling the climate crisis and creating a sustainable food system".^[5] The decision was met with significant pushback by animal farmers and the Countryside Alliance.^[6]
• Students at the University of Cambridge also voted in favour of a transition to fully plant-based menus. However, the ultimate decision lies with the university.^[7][8]
• Newcastle University's Student Council voted to ensure at least 50% of food is plant-based at its ticketed events, and up to 100% where possible.^[9]
• In a vote which attracted the highest turnout in the University of Kent's history, 450 students voted for university-run catering facilities to introduce entirely plant-based food by academic year 2027/28.^[10]
• London Metropolitan University^[11]
• In September 2024, the University of Graz became the first non-UK university to see a successful campaign.^[12][13]
• University of Birmingham^[14]
• Queen Mary University of London Students’ Union passed a motion for its catering to become fully plant-based by 2029. From 60% in academic year 2024/25, it aims to increase the proportion of its plant-based options in its menus by 10% annually in subsequent years.^[15][16]
• Falmouth University
• University College London^[17]
• At Lancaster University, the vote to shift to 100% plant-based catering, though supported by 18 of the 19 student delegates, was met with criticism from the Countryside Alliance.^[18]
• While University of Warwick students voted in favour of a shift to 100% plant-based catering in November 2023,^[19] the Unions’ Board of Trustees eventually revoked the decision in August 2024, explaining that their decision was taken after “careful consideration of the practical and financial challenges”.^[20]
• University College Roosevelt
• Imperial College London^[21]
• University of Bristol^[22]
• On the 2 April 2025, the Student Union at Uppsala University voted with a 90% majority to endorse 100% plant-based catering at the institution, making it the first university in Scandinavia to support the transition to 100% plant-based catering.
• At an all-students assembly in November 2024, the student body at the University of Marburg voted in favour of a transition to 100% plant-based catering at the institution.
• On 18 December 2024, the Students' Parliament at the University of Kaiserlautern-Landau voted in favour of a transition to 100% plant-based catering at the institution, with the share of plant-based foods increasing by 10% each semester.
• In April 2025, through a vote by the legislative body of the University of Basel in Switzerland, students called for the institution to achieve reach 50% plant-based catering by the summer of 2025, 75% by 2027 and 100% by 2030.^[23]
• In April 2025, students at the University of Bern won a vote with a 66% majority for the institution to transition to 100% plant-based.^[23]

Influence

In 2023, more than 800 experts and academics signed a letter supporting the Plant-Based Universities campaign. Signatories include Dale Vince, Caroline Lucas, George Monbiot, Etienne Scott, Chris Rapley, Chris Packham, and Helen Czerski.^[24][25] Packham said that “The student campaigners of Plant-Based Universities are making incredible changes in their institutions and it’s only right to see hundreds of academics stepping up to support them.”^[25] In 2023, the campaign was nominated for an Earthshot Prize, administered by William, Prince of Wales.^[26] In 2024, Plant-Based Universities was one of three British charities that received proceeds from that year's tour by musician Moby.^[27]

Criticism

The Countryside Alliance, a lobby that supports animal farming, criticises the campaign, calling the university votes in favor of plant-based catering an "attack on freedom of choice."^[28]

See also

• Plant-based action plan
• Veganuary
• Vegan School Meal
• World Vegan Day