Perspectives of contemporary sustainability knowledge and practice in the Australian fashion industry

This research determined whether graduates of the RMIT University, School of Fashion & Textiles, Bachelor of Fashion (Merchandise Management) program have developed sustainability knowledge and whether they are applying this knowledge in the workplace. It also determined the degree to which the Australian Fashion Industry is enhancing or impeding the graduate’s practice of sustainability.

Emerson and Cowlishaw (2012, p.1) noted that “The development of sustainability concepts within tertiary education programs remains an ongoing challenge for educational institutions due to the ‘messy’ nature of sustainability as a discipline and the paucity of knowledge about sustainability within the community”.

Results from the research have indicated that graduates have acquired and maintained their knowledge of sustainable practice in three key areas: social, environmental and business economic productivity. However, the organisations they are employed with are not providing the workplace environment for them to apply their skills and knowledge. Of the graduates who responded to the survey, 69% stated that sustainability is not included as a responsibility in their job description and 66% stated that sustainability is not discussed at team meetings. Supporting these percentages are the responses to interviews conducted with senior management at two of the largest fashion companies in Melbourne, Australia. These interviews confirmed that sustainability as a key performance indicator has not extended to the operational level of employees within their organisation.