Fairtrade
GCU has a longstanding commitment to Fairtrade. It was first accredited as a Fairtrade University in 2012, and in partnership with GCU Students' Association has achieved a 1 Star Award in the 2020-22 Cohort of the Fairtrade Universities and Colleges Award
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.
In March 2024, the Fairtrade Steering Group carried out a Fairtrade Survey to gauge the University students and staff awareness on the presence of Fairtrade on campus. The survey indicated a high level of support for the Fairtrade, despite identifying gaps in communicating on Fairtrade to the wider University population. These findings will be used to update the University's Fairtrade Plan.
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Find out more on the Fairtrade Foundation web pages.
Fairtrade is important for the University as it aligns with our commitment to being the University for the Common Good.
The University promotes Fairtrade through multiple events, campaigns or volunteering opportunities. The biggest Fairtrade event that takes place annually is the Fairtrade Fortnight. This year it will be celebrated in September 2024. For up to date information on events, please visit our Events & Campaigns webpage or sign up to our Sustainability Newsletter.
Fairtrade products are currently available primarily through the catering outlets on campus and we are engaging our supply chain to explore opportunities for increasing the range of products that are Fairtrade or have strong ethical trade credentials.
In addition to the University's Fairtrade Policy, our Sustainable Food Implementation Plan sets out commitments to Fairtrade.
The University's annual Fairtrade Progress Reports outline our achievements on Fairtrade:
Fairtrade Progress Report 2022-23