University awarded with 2-star Fairtrade Award

Glasgow Caledonian University has proudly attained the 2-star Fairtrade Award in the national Fairtrade Universities and Colleges Award this July. This marks a significant advancement from our previous 1-star recognition, showcasing our commitment to promoting fair trade practices and sustainability on campus. In addition, The University stands out as the sole Scottish University to attain the 2-star Fairtrade status (also highest result among Scottish Universities) within the 2022-24 Award cohort.

The Fairtrade Award audit process takes place every 2 years, during which the University’s Student Volunteer Auditors assess Fairtrade evidence provided for the Fairtrade Foundation. This includes evidence on the presence of Fairtrade within catering and procurement operations, hospitality, student and staff sustainability events and campaigning as well as academic teaching. Having the opportunity to participate in the audit process proved to be a valuable experience for our University students.

Desmond Wussah, Student Volunteer from the University said: “As a student volunteer, I participated in the Fairtrade audit program, auditing the Fairtrade activities of the Glasgow Caledonian University and the Students’ Association partnership. This experience has given me valuable skills in auditing, communication, teamwork and problem solving. Through this volunteering opportunity, I have learned about ethical sourcing, fair prices and sustainable livelihoods.”

The University has a long-standing commitment to Fairtrade by becoming first accredited as a Fairtrade University in 2012. The University and the Students' Association's commitments are set out in our joint Fairtrade Policy. Our Fairtrade plan sets out our objectives for the coming year, while our annual Progress Report outlines our achievements so far.

Embedding Fairtrade within the University’s operations provides staff and students with a choice to support ethical trade practices and environmental sustainability, raising awareness about the importance of conscious consumerism. Fairtrade products ensure that producers in developing countries receive fair wages and work in safe conditions, contributing to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

Paulo Cruz, Head of Operational Sustainability said: “This recognition is a great example of the sustainability efforts that take place across the campus. Supporting and promoting Fairtrade at the Glasgow Caledonian University by stocking Fairtrade products on campus and embedding Fairtrade in engagement events and research, aligns greatly with the University’s mission for the Common Good. This award is a joint effort of multiple Fairtrade stakeholders across a variety of departments.”

Wilfred Obi, Student President at the Students’ Association said: “I am thrilled the University attained the 2-star Fairtrade Award, which represents the progress that has been made over the past couple of years. Ethics and Environment is under my remit area and I am keen to work in partnership with the University to continue to adopt and improve in making Fairtrade an integral consideration when making purchases. We believe that applying the principle of Fairtrade will give all students satisfaction that any dealing or businesses that concerns the university meets the right ethical and environmental standard.”