Our Mission
Our Mission
The Sustainable Fashion Academy’s (SFA) mission is to exponentially accelerate progress towards science-based sustainability targets and the global sustainability goals (SDGs) by leveraging the power and influence of the apparel and textiles industry.
HOW WE WORK
IDENTIFYing GAPS
Research & Analysis
We identify gaps in important research and analysis and initiate research projects to address these gaps, which is then used to inform better decision-making.
EMPOWERING LEADERS
Inspiration, Education & Training
We inspire, educate and train change agents, including business professionals, government representatives, NGO advocates and representatives from the media.
COLLECTIVE ACtION
Mobilizing Stakeholders
We mobilize key stakeholders to advance better legislation, increase financial investment and accountability, all of which are key enablers to transform the apparel and textiles industry.
SFA is a non-profit social purpose organization, with its headquarters in Sweden. It is operated by the Forum for Design & Sustainable Enterprise, which is owned by the Foundation for Design & Sustainable Enterprise. Any revenues generated through SFA’s activities are reinvested in SFA’s mission driven activities, as the organization does not have any individual private shareholders.
SUSTAINABLE FASHION ACADEMY’S focus areas
SFA’s activities address key levers for change and special themes such as:
POLICY & Legislation
The most important lever for change is to develop smart, enforceable legislation based on sound evidence, whenever possible. This legislation must address the core drivers of unsustainable behavior, such as misaligned financial incentives for companies. SFA works to increase knowledge and insights among policy makers on what is needed to accelerate change and in certain cases, such as with climate action, also advocates for specific policy positions.
ACCOUNTABILITY
A key driver of change is ensuring robust accountability mechanisms are in place. SFA works to increase the power and credibility of industry accountability and “watchdog” mechanisms in order to accelerate change.
Financing
Without sufficient financial investment, many of the potential solutions needed to transform the apparel and textile industry and achieve environmental and social impact will not be possible. SFA works to highlight and unlock the financing needed.
OVERCONSUMPTION & OVERPRODUCTION
The latest independent research and analysis strongly indicates that ensuring the industry operates within the environmental and social planetary boundaries requires not only implementing circular business models but also significantly reducing the overall resource use of the industry. This means reducing over consumption and overproduction. SFA works to advance the ideas and solutions in this area
A Just Transition
The apparel and textile industry has created jobs and dependencies, often in lower income and economically poorer countries. SFA works to ensure the actions needed to ensure the industry meets key environmental targets do not unfairly jeopardize the health and wellbeing of the people and communities affected by these changes.
