THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has received a Fairtrade University and College status award for its commitment to adopting ethical and sustainable fairtrade policies.
Reading is one of just three universities to be awarded two-star status for the 2021-23 period, the other two being Universities of Chichester and Worcester.
The accreditation is jointly delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation and Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK).
Awards are made every two years and there are 11 mandatory criteria that institutions must meet to achieve the standard award. These include having a published action plan to promote fairtrade activity on campus, stocking fairtrade certified products, and hosting activities during Fairtrade Fortnight.
In addition, there are further optional criteria that universities can adopt to achieve additional stars. Reading completed 44 of the criteria, resulting in a two-star award.
Erin Cooper, lead for the University’s Fairtrade Steering Group, said: “Receiving a two-star Fairtrade University and College status award is an excellent achievement for the University of Reading.
“It shows our commitment towards reducing the impact of our consumption, sustainable practices, and ethical support towards fairtrade communities and livelihoods.
“We are passionate about continuing to involve fairtrade practices into our policy making, procurement, campaigns, university studies and, of course, into our food and retail outlets.”
