Fairtrade status
Following three years of development work the University of Brighton, together with the University of Brighton Students' Union, were awarded Fairtrade status in 2007.
In achieving this award the university reached significant targets in a number of areas and the university's renewal application was successful in June 2009. The award marks both the university's and the Students' Unions' continued commitment to expand the availability of Fairtrade products and in turn helps disadvantaged growers to get a better deal.
The aim of achieving Fairtrade status is widely considered to form an important part of the university’s commitment to promoting and developing awareness of and engagement in sustainable development.
In working to increase awareness of the Fairtrade movement and to ensure a market existed for increasing the Fairtrade range, both Accommodation and Hospitality Services and the Students' Union followed five goals for a Fairtrade university:
- The Students' Union and the university authorities both create a Fairtrade policy incorporating the five goals
- Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all campus shops. Fairtrade foods are used in all cafes, restaurants and bars on campus. Where this is not possible, there is a commitment to begin to use Fairtrade foods in these establishments as soon as it becomes possible to do so.
- Fairtrade foods (for example, coffee and tea) are served at all meetings hosted by the university and the Students' Union, and are served in all university and Students' Union management offices.
- There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus.
- Set up a Fairtrade Steering Group
