TCF Australia launches ONLINE project for apparel SMEs

Improving energy efficiency is a central element of the Gillard Government's Clean Energy Future package because it can help businesses save money on their operating costs while also lowering Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

The TCF Australia ‘ONLINE’ Energy Efficiency Training & Mentoring Project will provide for 1,000 fashion, creative and TCF small businesses across Australia to participate in ONLINE training.

The program will support and facilitate the ability for businesses to reduce energy use, create cost efficiencies and to enable them to investigate new green business opportunities. 

Free training webinars will be offered covering a wide range of topics such as energy efficiency, sustainable green fashion, supply chain information and support. In addition, free mentoring with energy efficiency and business mentors is also available and a range of free national TCF Australia ‘Ask an Expert’ Forums are being held across Australia.

Energy Efficiency Topics being featured each month ONLINE include:

• Understanding Energy Use in the Fashion, TCF & Creative Industries
• New Business Opportunities for Energy Efficient SME’s in the Global TCF & Fashion Industries
• Improving Pricing & Costing Structures for a Green Economy
• Green Fashion Economy – Certification, Accreditation & Labelling in the Global Marketplace
• Building Energy Efficient & Sustainable Supply Chains in Fashion, TCF & Creative Industries

In addition, upcoming Green fashion ‘Ask An Expert’ forums are will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.   The forums will enable attendees to develop energy efficiency supply chains, gain insights into TCF environmental issues, and learn about research trends in sustainable fashion, textiles, apparels and homewares.

Carol Hanlon, CEO of TCF Australia said, “We are excited to have been selected in Round One of the Energy Efficiency Information Grants (EEIG) program, to provide a range of ‘Green’ advice services to the textile, clothing and footwear industry. The grant will enable us to work with small and medium size businesses to help them assess how they can make smarter energy choices and reduce their energy costs. Like the Government, we want to help the Australian business community move towards a clean energy future".

Discover strategic market opportunities in green fashion and tap into new global ‘eco’ networks. Mentor Vouchers are available to improve your small business energy efficiencies; Opportunities to showcase your label at global fashion ‘ECO’ events and online through My Green Incubator.  

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency