Scotland’s education and sustainability leader
Abertay University, located in Dundee, is a recognised leader in applied research tackling global challenges. Committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2038, the university embeds sustainability throughout its teaching, operations, and supply chain activities.
As part of its Sustainable Development Strategy 2023–2030, Abertay identified secure document disposal as a key area for improvement. To address this, the university partnered with Avena to implement a reliable and environmentally responsible approach to managing confidential waste across campus.
A secure and sustainable solution for paper waste
Prior to working with Avena, Abertay faced operational challenges related to the flexibility of waste collections and lacked accurate data on disposal volumes. These issues made it difficult to monitor environmental performance and posed potential risks to data security.
Avena introduced its SecurAll® service, an end-to-end document destruction and recycling platform designed to support both sustainability and compliance. Secure consoles were installed across university buildings, enabling staff to dispose of confidential documents safely and efficiently. Collections are carried out by DBS-vetted personnel using GPS-tracked vehicles, ensuring a secure chain of custody at every stage.
Through SecurAll®, all shredded paper is recycled into new materials via a closed-loop process, completely avoiding landfill.
Enhancing GDPR compliance and operational assurance
Abertay required a solution that not only improved efficiency but also supported its obligations under data protection regulations. Avena’s secure shredding process meets GDPR requirements and provides full auditability through Certificates of Destruction and Environmental Impact Statements after each collection.
These measures ensure that the university can manage sensitive data with confidence, particularly in a setting where research, academic records, and administrative data are handled daily.
Measurable environmental impact and net zero alignment
The partnership with Avena plays an important role in helping Abertay track and reduce its carbon footprint. Through detailed reporting, the university can quantify the carbon savings achieved from secure paper destruction and recycling. These insights feed into Scope 3 emissions reporting and support compliance with the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements, Scotland) Order 2015.
By using Avena’s service, Abertay is aligning its waste management practices with the broader goals of its Sustainable Development Strategy and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The elimination of landfill disposal, along with transparent reporting, helps strengthen the university’s commitment to responsible campus operations.
A partnership that reflects shared values
Abertay’s decision to partner with Avena reflects its broader institutional commitment to sustainability, data protection, and operational integrity. The SecurAll® solution integrates seamlessly with university workflows, enabling ongoing improvements in waste tracking, carbon reporting, and regulatory compliance.
This partnership serves as a model for how higher education institutions can implement practical solutions that deliver both environmental and data security benefits, supporting ambitious net zero goals without compromising on efficiency or service quality.
Looking to improve document disposal at your institution?
Avena’s SecurAll® service is designed for organisations that require secure, sustainable, and compliant paper destruction. Whether you’re managing a single campus or multiple locations, our platform supports your goals with zero landfill, full traceability, and measurable impact.
Interesting in learning more about our services? Speak to one of our experts today.
Looking for a quick quote for secure destruction & recycling? Get a quote today.
