University signs up to ethical electronics
03 March 2020
The University of Reading has committed to the ethical and sustainable sourcing of electronics products on campus by signing up to Electronics Watch.
Electronics Watch is an independent organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of workers around the world involved in the supply of electronic items. It works with public sector buyers to improve working conditions and practices.
By partnering with Electronics Watch, the University can work towards ensuring its electronics products are sourced in an ethical and sustainable manner, and towards eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking across the global supply chain. The University spends approximately £3.5 million a year on sourcing electronics items for staff and students across UK campuses, including items such as computers, phones and printers.
Lisa Jeffries, Director of Procurement at the University of Reading, said:
"The University of Reading is committed to responsible procurement, looking at environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing and social value principles.
"The electronics industry is a high-risk sector for modern slavery and poor working conditions. The University has robust procedures already in place to ensure we are working with companies that share our values. The affiliation with Electronics Watch will ensure transparency in the global supply chain and support the University's policy of a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking."
Molli Cleaver, President of Reading University Student's Union, said:
"Students care about the sustainability of products they use, and value an ethical purchasing approach. They look to their university to set an example, so it is fantastic that the University of Reading is now affiliated with Electronics Watch.
"By embedding sustainability within our procurement processes, we are demonstrating our commitment to tackling issues that are at the heart of the University. Sustainability is far broader than planting trees or turning off lights and this partnership will help us meet our aspiration of becoming the greenest university in the world. It has made me incredibly proud to be part of the University of Reading and I know students want to belong to a community that cares about making a better world."
The affiliation with Electronics Watch follows the recent announcement from the University that it is divesting from fossil fuels, as well as the introduction of the sustainably sourced Fairphone and sustainably sourced stationary products.