On this 10-week course, you’ll learn about the history and values of sustainable development – and why it matters in the fashion industry.
Alongside fashion thought-leaders at Institut Français de la Mode and Kering, you’ll identify how to build a practical CSR and sustainability strategy, and how to communicate it to your company’s audience.
You’ll explore the contemporary environmental situation, learning about the climate crisis to better inform your own approach to sustainable fashion.
Course objectives
- Explore the history and current issues of the concept of sustainability
- Analyze the new economic concepts related to sustainable development and more specifically the circular economy model
- Develop an environmental and social strategy applied to the fashion industry
- Identify the main contemporary innovation areas
- Discuss the different models of sustainability implemented by fashion brands through a lifecycle product approach
Course content
The course is divided into 4 parts:
1. Building a CSR and Sustainability Strategy
Familiarise yourself with the history and values of sustainable development before defining and implementing a CSR strategy.
2. Environment and Social
This course will help you to identify the major implications of sustainability on the fashion industry.
3. Sustainability in the Value Chain
Explore the principles of eco-design, sustainable materials and responsible retailing.
4. Sustainable Innovation
Discover what sustainability might look like in the future including how reconcile sustainability and innovation.
Course educators
The course is led by Andrée-Anne Lemieux, Sustainability Professor and change leader at the heart of the industry’s transformation. Andrée-Anne Lemieux has over fifteen years of experience in the fashion industry, and specialises in sustainability transformation for new businesses, high street designers, and global corporations. As the head of the IFM-Kering Sustainability Chair, she also manages scientific research in the field of sustainability in the fashion and luxury industry.
You’ll also gain insights on sustainability from fashion industry stakeholders at fashion companies, NGOs and startups, as well as hear from manufacturers and designers on their experiences of sustainability implementation.
Format
The course is designed to fit around your life and timezone. You will have access to video content and activities which may be followed at your own pace.
There may be a few live events as part of your studies, but these will be recorded and can be watched afterwards if you aren’t online for the live broadcast.
The average expected workload is around 4 to 5 hours per week but if you wish to complete all of the activities, research and assignments, and take part in the group discussions, this may go up to 10 hours.
What you will receive
• 4 ECTS credits at Undergraduate level from Institut Français de la Mode (Find out how credits work and where you can use them in FutureLearn's FAQs.)
• A Certificate from Institut Français de la Mode
