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University of Bradford awarded Fairtrade status

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Fairtrade status award 2022

The University of Bradford has been awarded Fairtrade status for its commitment to sustainability and for involving students in the process.

It is one of 26 higher education institutions to have achieved Fairtrade status this year - the University of Bradford was granted Fairtrade University/College 1 star status.

Allison Thickett, Hospitality and Retail Manager at the University of Bradford said: “This is fantastic news for the University, and it’s something we have been working towards. We are committed to promoting sustainability, and to maximise the opportunities for supporting Fairtrade wherever we can. We will now build on this award to further improve our services.”

Now in its fifth year, this prestigious award is delivered as a partnership between the Fairtrade Foundation, the National Union of Students, and Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK). The Fairtrade University and College Award requires students to engage in partnerships with their institution and student union to achieve the award.

The award recognises a broad range of activities undertaken in the institution which work towards a more just, equitable and sustainable world for all. This includes working to raise awareness with their students of the issues of ethical and sustainable consumption and increasing the availability of Fairtrade products in their outlets.

The University has been a supporter of Fairtrade Fortnight, stocks Fairtrade products in its shops, including Fairtrade clothing, and is engaged in a number of other initiatives centred around sustainable development, including a commitment to meeting UN Sustainability Goals.

How the University is supporting Fairtrade and sustainability:-

  • Retail outlets aim to use suppliers that provide biodegradable packaging
  • Catering outlets recycle all cooking oils
  • Bars only use environmentally friendly resources
  • Promoting Fairtrade Fortnight and signposting on campus products and services from the likes of Starbucks, Juice Burst and Divine
  • Running a competition to win a Fairtrade hamper, with tickets available from the e Atrium Coffee Shop

There are several tiers of accreditation, ranging from basic Fairtrade University or College status, through one, two and three star awards. Accreditations are awarded annually and remain valid for two years.

The award programme encourages partnership between sustainability, catering and academic staff in the institution, plus the students’ union and students to cover procurement, awareness raising and campaigning activities. There are also opportunities to engage through teaching and the flexibility to receive points for trying out new and innovative ways to engage.

Joanna Milis, Education Campaigns Manager from the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “The last two years have been very challenging for universities as they deal with the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Completing the Fairtrade University and College Award in 2022 has, therefore, been an incredible achievement. We are delighted that the issues of ethical and sustainable consumption remain important to the institutions.

“At a time when young people are forming their values and shaping their future careers, it is essential that they are presented with a wide range of narratives and opportunities to think differently about the world. We are one global community. Our decisions have far-reaching consequences, and only together can we tackle the biggest challenges facing our planet and its inhabitants. As students prepare to take their places as decision makers of the future, they are the ones that we need to help shape the way we respond to the multiple crises we face.”

Additional information

Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK) is a new educational charity created by students and staff at NUS in response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis. They actively support students to be the change that society urgently needs, helping them learn, act and lead on sustainability.

For more information about the award, please contact: university@fairtrade.org.uk For more general information or enquiries, please contact: mollie.letherensmith@fairtrade.org.uk

What is the Fairtrade University/College award?

The Fairtrade University and College Award gives recognition to institutions that have embedded ethical and sustainable practices through their curriculum, procurement, research and campaigns. The award is jointly delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation and Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK).

Award criteria

The award programme recognises that there are many different activities that take place within the institutions that help us to achieve our vision – including purchasing Fairtrade products, campaigning, teaching, research and outreach. The award has a large number of optional criteria to choose from to reflect the different strengths different institutions have.

In order to get the standard award, there are 11 mandatory criteria to achieve. The rest are all optional criteria that institutions can take any number of to achieve additional ‘stars’ for the award, ranging from 1 to 3 dependent on level of attainment.

The award criteria include actions that may include staff from the procurement, catering, student union, teaching staff and also students, and a partnership approach is encouraged.