8 May 2008

University granted Fairtrade status

Photocall: Friday May 9th, Students Association, Balfour Place. 9am.

The University of Dundee has been granted Fairtrade status by the Fairtrade Foundation.

The granting of the status comes after a combined effort by the University and the Students Association to stock Fairtrade-approved goods wherever possible.

"The students at the University have been working for the past few years to try and help gain this status for Dundee so we are delighted that it has now been granted," said Adam Patrick, Vice-President of Services for the Students Association.

"Dundee was one of the first Scottish cities to be named an official Fairtrade city and it is rewarding now that the University has gained similar standing."

The University’s central catering service has stocked Fairtrade goods for a number of years but the Students’ Association has just recently moved to Fairtrade coffee and tea in its bars.

With the support of the Dundee Fairtrade Forum and One World Centre, students organised a series of events throughout Fairtrade Awareness Week in February including wine tasting, a craft fair and a chocolate tasting. There was also a poster campaign throughout the campus encouraging Fairtrade consumption and emphasising the University’s commitment to Fairtrade.

University Secretary David Duncan said, "We are delighted that the University of Dundee has achieved Fairtrade status. This accreditation is part of the University’s commitment to improving its environmental performance. In addition to this, we have set ourselves challenging targets for energy consumption, waste reduction and use of environmentally friendly goods and materials. We are working closely with student representatives and will be monitoring our performance carefully on a quarterly basis. We are also grateful for the support of Dundee City Council, which is helping us to increase recycling and promote green travel."

For media enquiries contact:
Anna Day
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk