2. Sustainability: A Diverse Perspective
OCAD University
April 14, 2015
Rushmita Alam
Masters Candidate
Inclusive Design,
Sustainability Student Monitor, Office of Diversity Equity and
Sustainability Initiatives
Ethics & Sustainability Rep, Student Union
Former
Associate Professor &
Head of The Dept
Fashion Design & Tech
BGMEA University of Fashion & Tech
Dhaka, Bangladesh
6. As retailers are increasingly under pressure to ensure ethical and
environmental standards run all the way through the supply chain, there
is a need for research projects to explore best practice and ways forward
to improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector through
adding value in this area.
7. Interior work by Ashley Mackenzie ‘13 7OCAD UNIVERSITY
Del PHE
A British council funded 3 year project that brings together international
collaboration between London College of Fashion, BGMEA Institute of Fashion and
Technology (Dhaka) and UNIDO (United Nations of development Organization).
BEST: “Better Work and Standards Programme ” Project
A UNIDO project aim to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction in
RMG sector of Bangladesh
MY MRP (Master Research Project)
Fashion Sustainability – Diverse Perspectives
How can we deal with these challenges? Are the safety measurement taken by
retailers really help to prevent another Rana Plaza Tragedy?
My Research Project
8. Insert beautiful photography.
We have no right to make it so worse that our children can not
breath one day
-Our goal is to inspire you to take action & find the solution for our
planet and help others to do the same
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Is this only
for
Business?
10. Sustainable, Green, Eco, Ethics, or
something else?
Sustainability has increasingly become a very important
aspect of our life today.
But sustainability has different meaning to different
people and it has been approached from many diverse
perspectives.
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11. Our mindset
Organic Cotton
Eco-friendly material =
SUSTAINABLE!
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Polyester
Eco-Hostile material since it
contains toxic chemical ≠
SUSTAINABLE!
12. Which one is more important?
Polyester
Whereas one is able to
produce 1 kg of
polyester
using hardly any water.
Organic Cotton
In order to produce 1
kg of cotton one uses
an average of 8000
litres of water.
13. Interior work by Shannon Lea Doyle ‘13
But On the other hand, polyester fibers are made
from oil, and particularly the petrochemical industry
is known for its huge global impact politically,
socially and environmentally.
• Which is more important, water consumption in
cotton production? Or oil in polyester?
• If we reduce consumption- what does this means
in the global setting?
• Is the environmental issue more important than
the ethical issue?
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‘Sustainable’ – The word is full of dillemas
14. Interior work by Shannon Lea Doyle ‘13
Corporation can participate by being more
responsible towards the sustainability.
Corporation can also start thinking about how
to have positive influences in the society. They
have some of the answers to social problems.
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15. Interior work by Jenn Seoyoung Kim ‘13
Other aspects
Sustainability is a multi-faced &
have different meaning to
different people. Its not only
dealing with the Environment
but also includes, Ethical issue,
Social Justice, Fair Trade and
Economic Fairness.
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16. Rana Plaza Tragic
is this incident sustainable?
More than 1,100 people died and 2,500 were injured after the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment
factory. The facility manufactured items destined for the mass market clothing stores we all might
visit. Names included Joe Fresh, Mango, El Corte Inglés, Benetton and others.
It is considered to be the deadliest garment-factory accident in history, as well as the deadliest
accidental structural failure in modern human history.
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On 24 April 2013, Rana Plaza, an eight-story commercial building, collapsed in Dhaka the capital of
Bangladesh
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What is sustainable then?
Our Society – which will sustain
Our future that will last
20. A better future for all
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Equity and Sustainability
21. Interior work by Jenn Seoyoung Kim ‘13
We value sustainability because future
generations should have at least the same
possibilities as people today.
Similarly people’s chances at better lives should
not be constrained by factors outside their
control.
Inequalities are especially unjust when
particular groups, whether because of gender,
race or birthplace, are disadvantaged
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Development cannot be only about economic
growth, nor can sustainability be only about
protecting the environment.
Inclusion and equity are indispensable
requirement for sustainable development
Development must be
people-centred,
&
promote rights,
opportunities,
choices, and
dignity.
23. This is what equity is
a path catered for an individual
• At last - to ensure it to be sustainable – it has to be equal and
also diverse. We have to take everyone and every individual
into the scenario. When we can ensure everyone right,
• individuality and value
• difference and cater a path
• for them to enter into ours
• society and can have the
• same opportunity then only
• we can come up with a true
• sustainable world – society.
24. Interior work by Marc De Pape ‘13
So sustainability is embracing a multiplicity of starting
points, involving many different people, operating a
range of different places and context.
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25. 25OCAD UNIVERSITY
Sustainability as an Agent of Change in
Toronto and beyond
8-80 Cities: Open Streets project
“Engage and Inspire to Transform Cities for All”
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8-80 Cities is a non-profit organization based in
Toronto, Canada.
They are dedicated to contributing to the transformation of cities into places where
people can walk, bike, access public transit and visit vibrant parks and public places.
Their approach is to engage people and communities across multiple sectors to inspire
the creation of cities that are easily accessible, safe and enjoyable for all.
A place which is for 8 years old to 80 years old citizen
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The transformation towards a
sustainable society requires not
only technological progress and
innovative solutions,
but also a strong cultural sector
that inspires change in
consumption and production.
30. Creates a rationale that is both holistic and inclusive
Sustainability is a complex system
and must be seen from the multiple
perspectives.
It does not simply fit or seen through
one sphere (or lens) but is also an
open system affected and effected by
the institution and it’s constituents.
31. Universities not only educate students and teachers but they
play a significant economic role nationally and globally.
Given the ascribed role of Universities in society, and the prevailing
environmental and sustainability challenges, Universities are coming
under increasing pressure to engage with this issue.
They are expected to be the engines and innovation centers
for sustainable development through teaching and learning,
research and knowledge transfer.
Universities have long been agents of change-
catalysts for social and political action as well as
centers of learning.
32. Interior work by Jenn Seoyoung Kim ‘13 32OCAD UNIVERSITY
OCAD & Sustainability
OCAD U has set a mandate to..“advance a vision of ‘just sustainability’ that foregrounds
equity and imagines new ways of understanding and acting that strengthen
communities, foster global citizenship, build social capacity and economic strength, and
promote positive transformation and change.
Developing an integrative approach to
equity and sustainability will also create
further opportunities for building deep
research, learning and community
collaborations and will position OCAD U as
a thought leader on critical paradigms of
sustainability and on the role of art/design
and creativity in enabling a better quality of
life for all, now and into the future, in a just
and equitable manner.”
33. • So – is not just a single
thing- it’s the whole procrss, procedure
from beginning to end Its the Journey
through
everyones effort , understanding and
commitment&
Sustainability
Moreover
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Thank You
For any question or
concern please contact
Rushmita alam
ra14tj@student.ocadu.ca
rushmita13@gmail.com
“… in order to make sustainability happen
in our community , there needs to
be change at many levels: we need both
root and branch reform.”
Editor's Notes
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