As the fashion industry continues to consume large amounts of energy, brands need to swap the clatter of public awareness for action on sustainability measures such as pollution, energy consumption, and waste. The fashion industry’s well-documented record on pollution and waste include, the textile sector which represents 6 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions and 10 to 20 percent of pesticide use, washing solvents, and dyes used in manufacturing are responsible for one-fifth of industrial water pollution, and fashion accounts for 20 to 35 percent of microplastics that flow into the ocean.***

Consumers have demanded a cleanup, and 2020 will see the industry accelerate its engagement. Sustainability awareness is increasingly impacting purchasing behaviors, although there remains a big gap between what people say and what they do. Still, fashion can no longer afford to ignore its customers’ preferences, even amid confusion over what sustainability really means. The consumer mindset was already showing signs of shifting in certain directions before the pandemic, which could accelerate some of these consumer shifts, such as a growing hostility toward waste-producing business models and heightened expectations for purpose-driven, sustainable action.

So as brands continue to look to deepen sustainability as a core value we at Mode///Communications often lead to identify energy efficiency as the first ‘Immediate Action’ to take to reduce their carbon footprint and authentically enter the conversation of sustainability in fashion, without having to look at supply chains, and material innovation as a start point.

Changes in lighting in brick-and-mortar retail stores and corporate offices is an easy and cost effective way to reduce your carbon footprint in a short time. The process from audit to installation can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks depending on the size of the project and has a project payback time of roughly 2-4 years and an ROI ranging from 20-40 percent. The goals for these upgrades include energy savings, maintenance reduction, and aesthetic improvement. Upgrading to LED lighting provides an extremely cost-effective solution to achieve all three of these. LED technology reduces energy consumption between 50 percent and 80 percent, depending on the existing light source and goals of the upgrade. Most LED products come with a standard 5-year warranty, meaning that lighting replacement costs will be essentially eliminated for approximately five years.

In order to optimize savings and maintenance at the best price point, we always recommend first addressing the lighting in showrooms, on the selling floor of retail stores, and back of house areas. Upgrades in these areas offer high energy saving potential at a low cost due to the minimal labor requirements in replacement.

Outlined is a three step process from start to installation:

Pre-Installation Process:

1. Complete sample installations to approve upgrades (as needed)
2. Order material upon approval
3. Work with Facility Management (FM) on staging, scheduling, process, etc.

Installation Process:

1. Expedite material to staging areas and confirm protocols for installation
2. Install material while maintaining constant communication with FM with progress updates and questions

Post Installation:

1. Confirm all upgrades are completed and functioning properly
2. Conduct a thorough walk-through with FM to ensure client satisfaction

The fashion industry will continue to be faced with challenges, as the digital revolution gathers more pace, consumers demand more on sustainability, and slower growth puts pressure on margins. That said, there will be opportunities and brands that can align with the dominant trends and continue to innovate are most likely to ride the challenges and emerge ahead of the pack.

***Chinasamy, Jasmine, “A monstrous disposable industry: Fast facts about fast fashion”, Unearthed, 12th September 2019, https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2019/09/12/fast-facts-about-fast-fashion/

Mode///Communications specializes in global sustainable brand building and communications. Our trademark is developing sustainable programming that increases brand awareness on a global scale, elevating brands beyond their endemic spheres in order to suitably connect with a new generation of conscious consumers. We do this by providing first-hand access to an elite an influential network of international media leaders, fashion innovators, and sustainability pioneers. We do this in tandem with access to our vast library of information that includes sustainable textile offerings, innovative packaging alternatives, energy efficiency upgrades, and cutting edge production techniques. If you would like to learn more, please email Hassan Pierre at hassan@maison-de-mode.com