Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM)
Striving for continuous improvement in environmental and sustainable performance is critical for ensuring the longevity of the apparel industry.
As an approved Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) Verifier Body, Verifiers in the Eurofins CPA network of companies can conduct on-site and offsite Higg FEM Verification globally to validate and confirm the information submitted by facilities. Facilities can then share their results with brands and retailers in the supply chain to demonstrate their achievement in environmental performance.
An apparel, footwear, and textile industry that does no undue environmental harm and has a beneficial impact on its stakeholders is the core vision of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC).
With that vision in mind, the SAC developed the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) to offer insights for manufacturers, brands, and retailers on the environmental performance of their individual facilities, empowering them to scale their sustainability improvements.
Higg FEM Version 4.0
New version of Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) has been published by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. This Higg FEM Version 4.0 will become effective starting this November, and all facilities are required to report their 2023 performance under this new version.
Key changes that you should be aware of in Higg FEM 4.0
- Applicability questions and pathways
- The ‘annual volume unit’ is standardized depending on the facility type.
- Energy and water consumption is reported by Facility Type
- Automatic rules to calculate scoring.
- Groundwater and soil contamination
- Questions around the Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) and Carbon Offsets
- Phase-out plan
- Wastewater Sludge management
- Questions in the Wastewater Management, Air Emissions and Chemicals Management sections have been aligned with associated ZDHC Guidelines
Benefits of employing Higg FEM include:
- Measure and quantify the sustainability impacts of a facility
- Reduce redundancy in measuring and reporting sustainability performance
- Drive business value through reducing risk and uncovering efficiencies
- Create a common means and language to communicate sustainability to stakeholders
Higg FEM Verification provides facilities with a clearer understanding of their environmental impact, enabling them to identify and prioritise opportunities for improved performance.
Facilities are evaluated for environmental performance in seven aspects:
- Environmental Management Systems
- Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Water Use
- Wastewater
- Emissions to Air (If Applicable)
- Waste Management
- Chemical Management
Such verification is required only once annually, removing excessive administrative work for the facilities.
Further reading: Seven practical questions of Higg FEM Verification and its ETP requirements
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