A month long global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) awareness raising campaign has begun and Forth Valley College are calling for staff, students and College departments to share their SDG journeys in the run up to Flag Day on September 25.
Many of FVC’s classes, groups and departments already support one or more of the 17 SDGs – https://sdgs.un.org/goals - and the College is looking to recognise how others can get involved in the run up to Thursday 25 September.
Here is an excellent example of how SDG awareness is operating at FVC.
At Forth Valley College, the Art & Design – Textiles section is championing sustainability through innovative teaching and creative practice. Julie Borland from the textiles section has been working to emphasise the environmental impact of the fashion and textiles industry, and is committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills to design more sustainably.
Students are encouraged to work with reclaimed materials—such as bed sheets, curtain linings, and household textiles—sourced from charity shops, donations, and the Stirling Re-Use Hub. These materials are used in a variety of projects, including textile collages and soft furnishings. This approach not only diverts waste from landfill, but also makes large-scale work more affordable for students.
It directly supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by promoting resourcefulness and reducing environmental impact.
The department has also introduced a sustainable dyeing technique using a paste made from soya milk and guar gum powder. This method is safe, low-cost, and accessible, allowing students to explore surface design without harmful chemicals. It supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing inclusive, hands-on learning experiences, and further reinforces SDG 12 and SDG 13 by encouraging low-impact production methods.
Inspired by this technique, lecturer Jane Paterson has also been supporting students to experiment with natural dyes made from onion skins, avocado pits, and spices. These explorations deepen their understanding of sustainability and waste reduction, while sparking valuable discussions about the environmental footprint of textile production.
The department also introduces students to sustainability-focused artists such as El Anatsui, whose work exemplifies the creative reuse of materials. This not only enriches the curriculum, but also aligns with SDG 4 and SDG 12, helping students see the broader cultural and environmental relevance of their work.
Although sustainability is not yet formally assessed in the curriculum, it is deeply embedded in the department’s teaching. Lecturers have highlighted the need for national qualifications to reflect the growing importance of sustainability in the creative industries, advocating for updates that would better align learning outcomes with industry expectations.
This case study highlights how Forth Valley College is actively contributing to the SDGs and fostering a culture of sustainability among its students—making it a proud participant in SDG Flag Day.
For more information on how to get involved at the College by providing a case study or supporting through social media, e-mail FVC’s Sustainability Project Manager Rory Hill on rory.hill@forthvalley.ac.uk or visit https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/action/sdg-flag-day for more information.
