How are they defined? What’s the issue? What is NZ’s commitment to address greenhouse emissions, and who did we make this commitment to? What are the implications of the 2030 deadline for 51% reduction in carbon emissions that NZ and 195 other countries are committed to delivering? How is NZ tracking against this target and what are the implications if we miss it?

What does it mean to be a carbon neutral business, and is it possible for a small to medium enterprise (SME) to achieve Carbon Neutral emissions without dramatically impacting your business model? What, if any, is the impact of an individual business on the country’s emission reduction targets? What’s the difference between carbon footprint and environmental footprint?Description text goes here

The starting point for any commitment to sustainability is knowing your baseline first. This helps identify the extent of change needed and the base data against which all improvements can be measured; both essential for supporting your communication plan to customers (and staff) without fear of greenwashing labels and to be able to offset the unavoidable emissions.

Using the Normative Calculator, in collaboration with the global initiative, SME Climate Hub, attendees will be guided through the process of an in-depth measurement of the carbon footprint of their respective businesses. (Pre-workshop homework outlines information to be gathered and brought to this workshop so attendees can work through the calculations as a group exercise. Carbon Footprint data inputted into the Calculator will remain confidential, and not be shared with the group or Eco Shepherd. The group will only every talk in terms of the percentages that make up the total carbon footprint).

The 3 types of carbon emissions

• Scope 1 Direct emission. Purchases (e.g., Travel, fuel)

• Scope 2 Indirect Energy. Purchases (carbon emissions from energy purchased e.g., electricity, gas)

• Scope 3 Indirect supply chain. Purchases connected to cost of goods sold

The purpose of this section is to explore the potential to create environmental and economic value by integrating sustainability actions, messaging and procurement decisions across each component of your end-to-end business model, both tangible and intangible.

For this value mapping session, workshop attendees visually map the elements of their respective business models and supply chains, against three forms of value (value captured, missed/destroyed or wasted), and opportunity. The mapping also takes an overview on touchpoints of the three stakeholder groups (customers, environment, and society).

Using the mapping tool, attendees are able to conceptualise value in new ways; looking at how to turn value destroyed or wasted/missed into a positive economic or brand opportunity. In addition, this process can also identify new opportunities for value creation.

We outline some of the leading social and environmental standards, certifications, and other relevant schemes; exploring criterion, access and how these can be used to your advantage.

A standard is set of specifications, criteria or guidelines dictating how something should be made or how processes should happen, while a certification is a legal or contractual requirement. Therefore, a material or process might be certified against a particular standard or several different standards pertaining to social and environmental conditions.

There is a difference between standards, which can be and are certified against, and other schemes and initiatives which may have voluntary codes but do not certify or may have other ways of engaging with members to improve conditions. While the intention of certification is to guarantee that certain conditions have been met, joining other schemes and initiatives is a way to get support, help, learn from others and collaborate with others, for sustainability in supply chains. Many of the initiatives and schemes were established as a response to poor practices in the chains of major global fashion businesses so may not always be relevant for small and start fashion or textile-based brands.

The rise of greenwashing proves that sustainability is becoming a real priority for brands. With increasing regulatory focus on greenwashing and the claims that brands make about the sustainability of their products, it is essential to know what you can and can’t say depending on the status of your supply chain.

The most significant loophole in sustainability is its lack of a clear, quantifiable definition. Terms such as ‘ethical’ or ‘eco-friendly’ have no legal significance. This encourages the lack of accountability of fashion and textile-based brands. Another reason contributing to greenwashing is insufficient public awareness and education around the harmful practices the industry embraces, allowing companies to continue throwing false information.

You will learn how to phase eco or ethical benefits and claims, and any subsequent accreditations that these may come with. We’re show you how to avoid making vague and broad claims, unclear statements around recyclability, and generalised accreditations.

Transparency, traceability, certifications, and proven sustainable credentials are critical enablers to preventing greenwashing. By demonstrating that the fibres and processes used are sustainable, you build create credibility and trust with consumers, existing and potential.

Tap into our Little Green Book of sustainable textiles handcrafted by weavers in India, with a comprehensive sample showcase including Savile Row quality shirting, exquisite linens, cottons, and silks.