The People & Planet Green League 2011 has revealed an improvement in the Fairtrade and ethical performance of 142 universities over the past year.

According to the report released last week by the student campaign network, there has been a reported 30 per cent increase in certified Fairtrade Universities since last year, with 67 per cent of all UK universities and colleges now accredited.

In addition, 19 out of the top 20 institutions on the Green League have achieved Fairtrade University status, with nine new universities gaining accreditation this year.

According to the Fairtrade Foundation, sustainable universities consider their global impact, with particular regard to purchasing policies, and are committed to boosting the availability of Fairtrade products on campus, while raising awareness of the benefits Fairtrade brings to producers in developing countries.

Veronica Pasteur, head of campaigns at Fairtrade, said: "Congratulations to all Fairtrade Universities who are listed in the top 20 of the UK’s greenest universities, and to all its staff and students who have shown a collective commitment to Fairtrade and for recognising their global responsibility. The awareness that this is raising among the student population will help make a better future for producers in the developing world."