Course Description
The textile and apparel industry is competitive global and dynamic. Sustainability with regard to economics, society, and the environment are received increased attention from consumers and the industry. Companies desiring a competitive advantage have embraced sustainability as an integral component of their strategy. This course will examine what it means to be "sustainable", what strategies corporations employ to be sustainable as well as multiple ways businesses practice environmental and social responsibility throughout their supply chain. Sources leading to non-sustainability practices will be identified. Tool, certifications, and other methods to assess the overall sustainability of a supply chain and its product will be examined. This includes exploration of LCA, Higg, ZDHC. RSLs, and other commonly used sources in the industry. This class is taught as a seminar discovery class where much of what you will learn will come through self-discovery activities and sharing results with others.