REGISTRATION OPEN NOW - TERM 1: 31 MAR - 15 JUN, 2025

The Sustainability Fundamentals

The World’s First Online Course in Sustainable Apparel

REGISTRATION OPEN NOW - TERM 1: 31 MAR - 15 JUN, 2025

The Sustainability Fundamentals

The World’s First Online Course in Sustainable Apparel

PARTICIPATE

Course Details

Type of Training:

Online education with hands-on assignments

Time Commitment:

Core Curriculum 10-15 hours (Optional extended course 10+ hours)

Start and End Dates:

Term 1: 31st March – 15th June, 2025

Price:

860 EUR (excl. VAT) per participant (discounts available for groups of 5 or more as well as for microbusinesses, nonprofit organizations and students)

or click here if you have any questions

Who should take this course?

Substantial sustainability-related legislation and regulation will have a significant impact on the fashion and apparel industry. This means sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”, but rather is required. Now, more than ever, brands and retailers need educate their employees on the fundamentals. The Sustainability Fundamentals course was created with a carefully selected team of experts and designed for textile and apparel professionals, retailers and brands working within fashion, luxury, sport, outdoor and footwear. The foundational, inspiring content also serves to educate those outside the industry who are interested in sustainability and its pivotal role in fashion and apparel. All functions within a company are encouraged to participate, from sourcing, design, and production, to marketing, sales, and management. The greater the mix of participants and perspectives, the greater the impact of the course.

BASTIAAN SCHUTMAN, SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT STAFF ENGAGEMENT, GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT, H&M GROUP

“Nowadays, our sustainability teams and internal stakeholders are primarily focussed on business integration to achieve our ambitious sustainability goals. Onboarding our business colleagues to build more understanding and a common language is the best place to start. SFA’s Sustainability Fundamentals online course is our preferred learning tool to provide a solid introduction to the key sustainability challenges and present the solutions available. With already more than 650 colleagues in all parts of the business certified, we keep investing in staff to inspire and enable them to take action in their role. We share this passion with the SFA learning team.”

Jennie McGuirk, Creative Director & Design Strategist at Sunrise Brands

“SFA’s course is well structured, very digestible and the wider reading supports the core curriculum in an engaging way. I am thoroughly inspired by all the different case studies and it is enlightening to learn more about influential people who are already making huge changes throughout the industry. As a student, I could really feel that I was participating with a large, international network of likeminded collaborators, and I know that I will continue to apply the acquired knowledge for years to come.”

Liesbet Bombeke, sustainability manager at e5.be

“At e5 Fashion, we participated in The Sustainability Fundamentals course with a cross functional group from buying, design and sustainability. It was the silver bullet to start internal discussions on where to focus next and how to evolve further towards a more sustainable business. It sparked conversations and helped us set the guidelines for our sustainability strategy.”

How is the course organised?

A largely self-driven course with built in flexibility and optional group work, our course format is thoughtfully designed for busy professionals requiring relevant content and efficient, action-driven learning. In order to provide the flexibility companies need, this course is divided into a Core Curriculum and an Extended Curriculum that is optional.

The Core Curriculum is designed to be completed within 10 to 15 hours. This means that each module takes an average of 2 to 3 hours, depending on how thoroughly the participants complete the assignments. Learners can advance in the course at their own pace within the allocated course time frame. The course includes a mix of online lessons and practical assignments.

Learners are required to complete the Core Curriculum if they are to receive a Certificate of Completion.

The Extended Curriculum includes additional lessons and takes between 1 and 10 additional hours to complete. Because the Extended Curriculum is not mandatory, learners with more time and interest can choose how much time to spend on these additional components. The Extended Curriculum is not required for receiving a Certificate of Completion.

A course certificate is awarded to all participants who have sucessfully completed the mandatory elements of the course.

Benefits of the course

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

Understand important key concepts about sustainability and apparel, including circularity

Understand the key sustainability challenges and opportunities during garment production, use and end-of-use

Identify a range of solutions to effectively address these challenges

Understand what their company and other leaders in the industry are doing to address these challenges

Identify how to contribute to improved sustainability performance within a company

Learn how to continue the sustainable journey after the course

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Ask us anything!

If you have questions or need advice relating to SFA’s training and offer, we are here to help. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?

How often is the course offered?

We are offering Sustainability Fundamentals at two occasions in 2025. However, we can offer the course at alternative times to meet your company’s specific needs. Please contact us for more information about the next available course or to find out how we can tailor the course to your specific requirements.

Which LMS platform are you using and what are its technical requirements?

We are currently using the Docebo Learning Management System for our courses. Please contact us to learn about Docebo’s technical requirements or to ensure a smooth interface with your computer system.

Can learners complete course lessons on their mobile phones?

This course is currently designed for computers and tablets and both Mac and PC. In the future, participants will also be able to access the course on mobile phones.

What happens if participants do not complete the course within the allotted time frame?

Participants who do not complete all the modules by the end of the course will not receive a Certification of Completion. If you or your company require extra flexibility, please speak to us in advance so that we can propose a beneficial solution.

Are any other computer programs or devices needed?

The course assignments require access to Microsoft Word. We also ask participants to take pictures of their clothing during assignments, so it is helpful to have a digital camera. Mobile phone cameras are sufficient.

Some of the course assignments require that learners find out more about their company’s current sustainability policies and practices. Do you recommend that we assign a contact person in advance for these internal questions?

Yes, this is especially helpful if many employees from your company are participating in the course. Some organisations also use the course modules as an opportunity to gather their learners on a regular basis and debrief them on their learning, discuss how their learning links to their company’s sustainability strategy, and/or to answer any company related questions that might have arisen during the course.

I do not work for a brand or retailer, and I do not know a great deal about the industry. Can I take and benefit from the course despite this?

Yes. The course is designed and structured for apparel professionals, but those entering the course with a different background and perspective are welcome on the course. In instances where assignments relate to studying the practices of brands or retailers, you can choose a company to research online and easily create a case out of their reported experience.

Students are required to submit assignments as part of the course. Are assignments and company information kept confidential?

Yes. All assignments and company related information are kept confidential. This excludes forum related assignments where students are asked to comment on each other’s ideas in an open forum.

Can we tailor this online course to our company’s specific needs, corporate incorporate branding elements or introduce our own educational elements?

We offer a variety of tailoring options to enhance the learning experience. Please contact us to discuss these options and we will ensure that the course is optimally tailored to match your specific needs.

Can course participants have access to course material after the course is completed?

Participants are able to download module summaries, assignments and links during their course. However, for students needing continued access to the course lessons, assignments and optional material after they’ve completed the course, we recommend our extended course access service, which is offered for a nominal yearly subscription fee. Please contact us for more information.

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