University of St Andrews achieves 3 stars in Fairtrade University Award
The University of St Andrews and Student Association has achieved the highest tier of 3 stars in the Fairtrade University Award for 2024 to 2026. This success demonstrates our creativity, resilience and leadership in driving change for a fairer future.
The Award, delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation in partnership with SOS UK, supports institutions to embed ethical and sustainable practices across teaching and research, governance and procurement, and student campaigning and leadership.
Throughout the last two years, we have worked on fair projects spanning a range of categories. Highlights include:
- High quality Fairtrade products such as tea, coffee, sugar, bananas, and more have been maintained across all our outlets.
- We support Fairtrade cotton through the Koolskools-SUstainable clothing range in the University Shop. The founder has given talks at the University about their experience and what makes an ethical supply chain.
- The School Sustainability Representative in the School of Computer Science has launched a project in which students redevelop Koolskools’ website, offering them socially responsible work experience.
- Students and staff have held Fairtrade events and discussions at key times to raise awareness of campaigns for ethical trade, including a climate café and bubble tea stall during Fairtrade Fortnight, a Fairtrade hoodie giveaway over Freshers’ Week.
- We maintain a strong partnership with the St Andrews Fair Trade Towns group. A joint campaign saw town and gown donations of second-hand spectacles successfully delivered to a Fairtrade community in Malawi.
In April, five St Andrews students received auditor training and conducted the Fairtrade audit. Now, a paid summer intern is conducting a review of our progress and future efforts to embed Fairtrade, enhancing student employment opportunities.
We are delighted by this 3-star result. Thank you to all who continue to support the Fairtrade movement.