University awarded Fairtrade University two-star status
16 Jun 2025
We’re proud to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Fairtrade University two-star award, recognising our ongoing commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and global responsibility.
What does this mean?
The award is delivered as a partnership between the Fairtrade Foundation and Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK). It reflects the hard work and dedication of staff and students across the University who have championed fair trade principles in our procurement, catering, and community engagement.
We have been awarded Fairtrade two-star status, which recognises that we are:
- Embedding Fairtrade into our strategy and operations
- Actively engaging students and staff in campaigns and education
- Supporting ethical procurement and supply chains
- Collaborating with local and global partners to promote social justice
This milestone builds on our previous one-star rating, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and meeting the goals under the University’s Environmental Strategy.
Alison Shedlock, Director of Campus Operations, said: “We're thrilled to have received a two-star Fairtrade University award. This step change is testament to the hard work across a multitude of departments who embed sustainability at the heart of their operation and service. We continue to support work towards a fairer, more sustainable world.”
Julia Durkan, Head of Environmental Sustainability, said: “This is a fantastic achievement that shows how we’re using our role as a global institution to help drive real change. Responsible consumption and ethical sourcing are central to our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, and this recognition reflects the difference our staff and students are making in building fairer, more sustainable supply chains that support communities around the world.”
Celebrating World Refill Day – 16 June
Today is World Refill Day, a global campaign to prevent plastic pollution and encourage people to live with less waste.
Bee Cup: Join the Buzz
Last year, we launched our Bee Cup scheme, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. It is a reusable cup initiative that encourages staff, students, and visitors to ditch single-use cups in favour of our Bee Cup – and we’ve saved over 60,000 single-use products so far.
This World Refill Day, join the buzz and choose the Bee Cup.