Local SMEs in London need to implement changes to their business models to reduce carbon emissions to align with the Paris alignment trajectory, reduce costs and meet consumer expectations. However, they often lack know-how and capacity.

Targeting the London fashion industry, we delivered sustainability training and personalised coaching to six young London fashion brands to help them decarbonise and develop tailored sustainability strategies.

Short-term Objective: Help young fashion brands in London to decarbonise and develop their unique sustainability strategies

Long-term Objectives:

• Increase access to sustainability knowledge and resources to young fashion brands


• Create a level playing field for London fashion SMEs General Training Contents


• Introduction to GHG emissions accounting and fashion impacts, circular economy, and textile waste


• Overview of waste minimisation and circular design strategies


• Overview of design decisions and their implications for the likely end of life fate of textiles


• Best practice principles for communicating sustainability to consumers

Outputs

• Phase 1- General Training (July 2023): We used worksheets to help participating fashion brands map out their current sustainability position (e.g., what materials are used, what blends, what circular options, what design strategies have already been implemented)


• Phase 2 – Time of Refinement (August 2023): We provided a two-week window for participating fashion brands to reflect on their sustainability strategies and explore directions to refine their approaches.


• Phase 3 – Pitches and Consolidation (September 2023): We invited the participating fashion brands to pitch their proposed sustainability strategy. Based on their unique business objectives and conditions, we provided personalised feedback to their pitches.


• Phase 4 – Follow-up Coaching (October 2023 onwards): We provided pro bono individualised post-workshop support to help each of the participating fashion brands finalise their sustainability strategies.


• Phase 5 – Follow-up Outreach (November 2023 onwards): We consolidated our training materials based on the first-hand feedback from the participating fashion brands and made them available to other interested parties.

For more information: https://www.londonglobalshapersii.com/shaping-sustainability-sustainable-fashion