how to higg environment english

How to Higg Manual Version 1

Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) Higg Index 2.0

FACILITY MODULE – ENVIRONMENT: APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR

Guide to successfully complete the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Index

2.0 Environmental Facility Module self-assessment.

HOW TO HIGG

This guide is produced by RESET Carbon for adidas Group, ANN INC., Columbia Sportswear Co. Ltd., H&M

Hennes Mauritz (Far East) Ltd. and Patagonia Inc. (“Collaboration Brands”).

About RESET Carbon

RESET Carbon Ltd. is Hong Kong-based carbon and energy management specialist serving companies in

Asia. RESET specializes in supply chain solutions supporting Brands to develop strategies and tools to

engage manufacturers, and then working with manufacturers in particular to improve energy efficiency

on-site. RESET also offers a full range of corporate carbon and energy services to companies seeking to

measure and reduce their carbon footprint, and life cycle assessment solutions for those focused on

sustainable products.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and quality of this information at time of publication.

Neither Collaboration Brands nor RESET Carbon Ltd. takes responsibility for the subsequent use of this

information, or any errors or omissions it may contain.

April 2014

HOW TO HIGG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS GUIDE ................................................................................................................................... 1

HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE ....................................................................................................................... 2

HIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW FOR ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY MODULE ......................................................... 3

BEFORE YOU START .................................................................................................................................. 5

GENERAL RULE - ............................................................................................................................................ 5

STAFF ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................................... 6

RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST ........................................................................................................... 7

SECTION BY SECTION GUIDE ....................................................................................................................10

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 1 ........................................................................11



ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 1 .........................................................................................................25



WATER USE - LEVEL 1 ...................................................................................................................................40

WATER USE - LEVEL 2 ...................................................................................................................................42

WATER USE - LEVEL 3 ...................................................................................................................................46

WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 1 ................................................................................................................49



EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 1 ..........................................................................................................................58



WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1 ....................................................................................................................66



CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1 ..............................................................................................................77



FAQ ..........................................................................................................................................................95

GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................................98

UPLOADING DOCUMENTS IN THE HIGG 2.0 WEB TOOL ......................................................................... 105

SELF-HELP RESOURCES ........................................................................................................................... 107

USEFUL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 109

ABBREVIATION LIST ............................................................................................................................... 114

HOW TO HIGG ABOUT THIS GUIDE

GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

ABOUT THIS GUIDE What it is…

The HOW TO HIGG guide is a complimentary training material for facilities to use with the Sustainable

Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Index 2.0 Environmental Facility Module (“Environmental Facility Module”,

“Module”). It was first published in February 2013 to provide guidance for Higg version 1.0 and updated in

January 2014 to accommodate Higg version 2.0. The guide provides clarity on the meaning of each sub-

section and suggests best practices for responding to each question.

This guide is developed to help facilities:

• Complete an accurate self-assessment (“Module”) of their facility’s environmental performance

• Save time when preparing for the Module

• Engage, educate and collaborate with the appropriate stakeholders for rigorous self-assessment

efforts

The definitions and recommendations in this guide reference the Higg Index 2.0 and industry best

practice, such as Global Social Compliance Program (GSCP) Environmental Facilities Assessment (GSCP

Environmental Reference Requirements, Implementation Guide) and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)

Chemicals Management Module (CMM), where applicable. Facilities shall also make the effort to meet

their customers' standards.

Limitations of this guide…

While it is designed to be a standalone document, this guide does not supersede or substitute the “Terms

of Use” and “General Guidance” of the Higg Index, as set by SAC. Please note that as future versions of the

Higg Index are released by the SAC, some changes to the scoring may occur.

This guide is to facilitate calculating a Higg Index score, but does NOT provide guidance on

improvement.

Who should read this …

The guide is intended for the appointed “Higg Champion” in your facility, who will be responsible for

ensuring completion of the self-assessment. Your colleagues in the administration, management systems,

energy management, compliance or pollution control departments, who may need to be involved in the

completion of the self-assessment will also benefit from reading this guide.

HOW TO HIGG HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE


HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE

You should begin by reviewing the Before You Start section to get an idea of the recommended

documentation support and members of staff of the site you will likely have to engage for the completion

of the self-assessment.

After you have completed this preliminary step, you can refer to each section as you go through the

Environmental Facility Module for clarifications of the concepts mentioned and the recommended

information to be collected for each question.

The following icons are used throughout the Section by Section Guide, for each Environmental Facility

Module section.

Icon key list:

FAC question box contains the first level Higg Index

questions

� KEY DEFINITION Definitions of terms used in the question or in the

requirement that are often misinterpreted

SEE GLOSSARY �

Definitions used in the question or in the requirements

that are explained in the glossary. The text following the

icon are the terms explained

� EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’ Examples of expected conditions that need to be met for

the site to score ‘YES’ for that question

SUB-QUESTION

The second level Higg Index question under each main

question

Points of concern where facilities have found to be

particularly confusing

New question in the Higg Index 2.0 Environment Facility

Module which did not appear in the Higg Index 1.0

Environment Facility Module

��LEADING PRACTICE SURVEY

Please suggest any practices, programs, technology, or

methods utilized at your facility that you consider as a

“leading practice” for managing and significantly

environmental impacts. Questions under this section are

not scored

For all Leading Practice Survey Questions, please describe

the leading practice(s), state:

- Why you consider it a leading practice?

- How does the measure help improve performance

- Since when was the leading practice put into

place?

HOW TO HIGG HIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW


HIGG INDEX: AN OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY MODULE What it is…

The Higg Index is a self-assessment sustainability tool designed to assess the environmental and social

impacts of apparel and footwear products. The Index (version 1.0) was launched in July 2012 by the

Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an industry group whose members represent more than a third of the

global apparel and footwear market. An update of the Index (The Higg 2.0) was released in December

2013, with the introduction of a new web tool, this allows facilities to submit the Higg Index online. The

overall goals of the SAC are to:

1. Understand and quantify sustainability impacts of apparel and footwear products

2. Dramatically reduce redundancy measuring sustainability in the apparel and footwear industries

3. Drive business value through reducing risk and uncovering efficiency

4. Create a common means to communicate sustainability to stakeholders

The Environmental Facility Module…

The Environmental Facility Module allows facilities to standardize how they measure and evaluate the

environmental performance of their facilities.

You can consider the Environmental Facility Module as:

1. A facility-level self-assessment tool that enables rapid learning through identification of

environmental sustainability hot spots, existing level of performance and improvement opportunities.

2. A starting point of engagement, education, and collaboration among stakeholders in advance of

more rigorous assessment efforts.

The ultimate goals of the Higg Index are to inform organizations of their strengths and weaknesses, drive

business value throughout the value chain by presenting opportunities for cost-savings and innovation,

and catalyze sustainability education and collaboration.

About the Higg Index Scoring System

The scoring system of the Higg Index was designed to drive behavior changes. All points can only be

gained and assigned to each indication question to potentially drive actions, decisions and practices that

lead to better sustainability outcomes.

The Environmental Facility Module contains 7 sections covering environmental (energy/greenhouse gas

emissions; water; wastewater/effluent; air emissions; waste; and chemicals management) impacts across

the life cycle of an apparel and footwear products. Each impact area (section) consists of a three-level

structure (Levels 1, 2 and 3) which signifies general thresholds of environmental practices. In many

instances (but not all), your facility will not be answering “Yes” to Level 3 questions unless Level 1 and 2

questions are answered. However, there are NO PREREQUISITES for answering “Yes” to a question. In

other words, if you are doing a Level 3 practice but not a Level 1 practice, you will still get credit for the

Level 3.

• Level 1 = Awareness, Understanding, and Baseline Performance

• Level 2 = Planning and Managing

HOW TO HIGG HIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW


• Level 3 = Implementing Sustainability Measures/Demonstrating Performance and Progress

There are no performance “thresholds” for evaluating scores for facilities (e.g., ranges for “gold”, “silver”,

“bronze”). It is up to each organization to determine how to interpret the scores from facilities. After

completing the Module, you will be able to have a better understanding of your facility’s environmental

performance levels. You are recommended to use the three-level structure of the Module to guide your

facility to improve the environmental management on an ongoing basis.

You can also find further clarifications about the scoring in the “General Guidance” of the Environmental

Facility Module and Higg Index FAQs on the SAC website: http://www.apparelcoalition.org/index-

faqs/scoring/

HOW TO HIGG BEFORE YOU START


BEFORE YOU START Before reading this guide, you should have already registered for an account on the Higg Index website,

skimmed through the latest Environmental Facility Module on the Higg Index web tool, and reviewed the

Getting Started tab on the web tool, which you can find at http://www.Higg.org/.

GENERAL RULE - Be conservative, transparent, and right first time

Facilities should be careful not to attempt to over-score themselves and should focus on providing credible

responses. Taking a conservative approach will likely minimize the need for any follow up questions.

When in doubt about whether or not you should be answering ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, the going rule is to take a

more conservative approach and answer ‘No.’ When you have selected ‘Yes’ to a question, you should

provide as much information and description as possible in the sub-questions in support of your answer.

Filling out the questionnaire and preparing list of reference

When completing the questionnaire, for each primary question to which you answer ‘Yes,’ you are

expected to respond to the sub-questions in order to receive point credit for your response and indicate

documentary support that you have for each answer. It is good practice to keep a list of references (often

referred to as an ‘audit trail’ by auditors) where you maintain an overview of the supporting evidence (in

documents, photos, data sheets etc.) corresponding to each of your answers. Not only will this smooth the

process of future edits and re-assessment, it will also help you communicate data tracking requirements

internally.

How long will it take?

Actual completion of the questionnaire will vary. It depends on the environmental performance of the

facility and readiness of the supporting data and materials. Being conservative and get it right on the first

time to minimize the rework.

Language used

Although the web tool provides translations of the questionnaire in languages other than English, please

answer the questions in ENGLISH for easier reference by your connections.



STAFF ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST Make sure that you have engaged the relevant subject matter experts in your facility to complete the

Environmental Facility Module. Below is a checklist of recommended personnel that you could engage to

get the most accurate information for each Higg Index Section:

Personnel EMS or

program

Energy

use &

GHG

Water

use

Waste-

water/

Effluent

Emissions

to air

Waste

management

Chemicals

management

Factory Manager �

Compliance Officer �

Human Resources

personnel who are in

charge of staff

trainings

�

Environmental, health

& safety (EHS)

Manager / Officer

�

Environmental

Management System

(EMS) Manager

�

Pollution Control

Officer �

Chief Engineer or staff

in charge of

machinery

maintenance and data

reporting

� � �

Staff in charge of

boiler and power

generator

�

�

Electrician

�

Staff in charge of

wastewater

treatment plant

� �

Chemical

Management Officer

� �

Chemical Storage

Room Officer (or staff

in charge of chemical

storage room)

�



RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST The below is a recommended documents checklist as supporting evidence for each of the Higg Index

section. With the exception of items marked with “#”, which are required documents to be uploaded in

the web tool, all documents recommended in this section are optional.

While the list is developed to help collect and compile data, the actual documents containing the relevant

information may be named differently or be found in different departments for each particular facility.

1. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM

INFORMATION REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

FAC-1.1 Level 1 Information on understand the site’s environmental impacts; environmental

performance governance structure; roles & responsibilities; environmental permits; and non-

compliance.

� Environmental impact analysis and aspect evaluation

� Latest local government environmental audit reports

� Environmental Management Team organization chart and job descriptions records

� Environmental management system (EMS) document

� Valid permits for: Factory operation, air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid waste/ hazardous waste

disposal, if any

� Corrective action request (CAR) from out-of-compliance performance, if any

FAC-1.2 Level 2 Details on environmental strategies, targets, tracking and measurement, training and

review of the facility’s environmental management system.

� Environmental management plan

� Corporate sustainability report

� EMS internal audit reports

� System or standard operating procedure (SOP) review records

� EMS/program training records and manual

� Environmental targets (3-5+ years) and strategy

FAC-1.3 Level 3 Details on engagement with suppliers or sub-contractors, communication of the site’s

environmental performance to internal and external stakeholders, certification of EMS, if any.

� Contract, agreement, communication documents with suppliers/sub-contractors

� Posters / notice / reports / websites communicating environmental performance at facility

� EMS audit report from independent third party or accredited internal auditor #

� EMS certificate #

2. ENERGY USE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

FAC-2.1 Level 1 Information on annual energy and steam use, energy sources and greenhouse gas

emissions.

� Electricity, fuel, steam and other energy consumption record (e.g. monthly bills and annual consumption

record)

� Metering plan

� Carbon auditing report / Greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory



FAC-2.2 Level 2 Details on targets for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, historical

energy audit details.


� Energy audit report

� Energy and carbon reduction action plan

FAC-2.3 Level 3 Details on energy reductions achieved and measures taken, target review, GHG targets

achieved and measures contributing to such.

� Energy and carbon tracking reports

� Specification/ test reports of newly installed environmental-friendly technology

� Purchase record of any form of renewable energy

� Records of on-site generation of renewable energy

� Carbon offset purchase records

3. WATER USE

FAC-3.1 Level 1 Details on water use sources and annual water use quantity.

� Water purchase record from various sources (e.g. monthly bills)

� Annual water consumption record

� Water metering plan

FAC-3.2 Level 2 Details on water use reduction targets, historical water audit details.


� Water audit report

� Water reduction plan

FAC-3.3 Level 3 Details on water use reductions and measures taken.

� Water reduction implementation/action plan


4. WASTEWATER AND EFFLUENTS

FAC-4.1 Level 1 Details on annual wastewater production.

� Wastewater treatment process map

� After treatment wastewater quality test report

� Annual wastewater production monitoring record (quality and quantity)

FAC-4.2 Level 2 Details on targets for improving wastewater quality.

� Wastewater quality testing report

� Action plan on improving wastewater quality

FAC-4.3 Level 3 Details on wastewater quality improvement and measures taken.

� Wastewater quality improvement implementation/action plan


5. EMISSIONS TO AIR

FAC-5.1 Level 1 Details on quality and quantity of air emissions to air.

� Air emissions testing report (e.g., boiler exhaust air quality testing, power plant air quality) #

� Air emissions inventory



FAC-5.2 Level 2 Details on air emissions reduction targets.

� Air emissions target, reduction plan and strategy

FAC-5.3 Level 3 Details on air emissions reduction achieved and measures taken, targets achieved and

measures contributing to such.

� Air emissions improvement implementation/action plan


� Air emission quality test demonstrating the results of air emissions reduction measures

6. WASTE MANAGEMENT

FAC-6.1 Level 1 Details on waste generated on site and trainings

� Waste inventory

� Annual waste disposal/recycling record

� Training materials and record for waste handling and segregation training

FAC-6.2 Level 2 Details on waste reduction targets

� Waste reduction target and strategies

� Waste management plan

� Waste recycling program details

FAC-6.3 Level 3 Details on waste reduction achieved and measures taken, targets achieved and

measures contributing to such

� Waste reduction implementation/action plan

� Waste disposal/recycling record demonstrating the results of waste reduction measures

7. CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT

FAC-7.1 Level 1 Details on existing chemicals management practices and compliance program.

� Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Chemicals Management Module assessment report #

� Annual chemicals regulation review

� Restricted substance list (RSL)

� Chemical inventory / list of chemicals present on-site

� Business process for RSL compliance

� Corrective actions for RSL non-compliance

FAC-7.2 Level 2 Details on chemical reduction goals and action plan.

� Chemical management improvement action plan

� Restricted substance list (RSL)

� Alternatives assessment report

FAC-7.3 Level 3 Details on chemicals management performance improvement and measures

contributing to such.

� OIA’s Chemicals Management Module assessment report

� Action plan / implementation plan of the alternatives assessment

� Chemical consumption record demonstrating the results of chemical reduction measures

HOW TO HIGG


SECTION BY SECTION GUIDE

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM


ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 1

��FAC-1.1.1 Do you know what this site’s environmental impacts are (positive or negative)? (2.5 points)

�EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:

� Your site has already carried out environmental impact assessment to identify the most significant environmental impacts;

� You have records of the impacts identified, and are able to describe why the identified impacts are considered most significant.

SUB-QUESTION What are this site’s most significant impacts?

If your site has not conducted an environmental impact assessment to identify significant environmental impacts, you should select ‘NO’ to the question and

follow the steps provided in the ‘more info’ pop-up box to assess and identify significant impacts for your site.

Recommended content:

1) List of top environmental impacts;

2) For each impact, a short description of the physical origin of the

impact at the site;

3) Reference to relevant documentation.

Example:

Negative impacts:

1. Wastewater: Effluent mainly from washing workshop

2. Air pollutants: Exhaust from diesel powered power generator, oil-fueled boiler

and smoke from kitchen

3. Solid waste: Mainly from waste fabric, sludge, waste packaging materials and

domestic waste from dormitory.

4. Noise: From machinery operations

Positive impacts:

1. Our factory plants 2000 eucalyptus seedlings every 2 years in a country park

nearby the factory to improve the environment of the local community.

[2012 Environment Audit Report Ch. 4.1.-4.2, Annual Tree Planting Record]



��FAC-1.1.2 Are one or more members of management responsible for coordinating this site’s environmental management

activities? (2.5 points)


� At least one member of site management is responsible for (i.e. either required in their job description or accountabilities, or designated by relevant system

documents to oversee or coordinate) the site’s environmental management activities.

SUB-QUESTION List the name(s), title(s) and contact information (phone and email) of all people responsible..


1) Name, job title and contact information of all the members of

management with environmental management roles;

2) For each member of management named, provide a brief

description of his/her role in environmental management;

3) Organization chart of environmental management team;

4) Reference to relevant documentation

Example:

- Mr. Steve Chan (Head of Engineering Dept.)

• Responsibility: oversees wastewater and air emissions management.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone number: +86 512 68990998

- Mr. Lam Chi Ping (Head of Operations)

• Responsibility: oversees wastewater treatment.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone number: +86 512 68990997

[EMS Organizational Chart, Cleaner Production Audit Report 2012, ch 2.1]



��FAC-1.1.3 Does this site have a program or system for monitoring environmental regulations and permits required for

operation? (10 points)


� Your site has all relevant and up-to-date operation and environmental permits; and

� Your site has established either Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal tracking mechanisms or EMS procedures to monitor compliance of all the

most current regulations.

SUB-QUESTION What environmental areas does this site have permits for (e.g., air emissions, waste-water, hazardous waste, a general facility-wide

environmental permit, etc.)?


1) List environmental aspects for which the site has permits, covering the

following aspects, where applicable:

• Factory operation; Air emission;

• Water use (or extraction); Wastewater/ effluent discharge;

• Solid waste; Hazardous waste disposal.

2) Describe the system or practice by which the site ensures continuing

compliance of regulations and legal requirements. This may be in the form of

EMS procedures, standard monitoring procedures, staff’s roles and

responsibility or in the form of automatic metering /monitoring systems.


Example:

The site has up-to-date permits for Factory operation, wastewater

discharge and air emissions. A list of the current environmental regulations

applicable to the site’s operation is kept, the list is updated annually.

Currently the site does not have an EMS but it is the admin officer’s

responsibility to regularly check for updates from official sources for

regulations changes, and the PCO is responsible for wastewater treatment

quantity and tracking of COD.

[Pollution control audit report 2012, p.44; List of applicable environmental

regulations]



SUB-QUESTION If requested, are you able to provide copies of these permits?

SUB-QUESTION Are any environmental permits expired and pending renewal from government authorities?

��FAC-1.1.4 Has your site facility been in compliance with all legal requirements/permits during the past 12 months? (15

points)


� Your site has not been cited for being out of compliance any legal requirements/permits any time in the past 12 months by government authorities.

Answer the following sub-question only if your answer to FAC-1.1.4 is ‘No’.

SUB-QUESTION Please describe the citations given to your site by the government from being out of compliance AND indicate whether they have been

resolved. If they have not been resolved please specify the timeline for resolution.


You should be able to provide copies of the mentioned permits if requested. The answer must be YES for this sub-question, if you have selected YES to FAC-1.1.3.


Select YES if any of your environmental permits (as stated in the previous sub-question) have been expired and pending renewal from government authorities.

Select NO if all your environmental permits are up-to-date.




1) Date and title of citation / warning letter/ sanction;

2) Any penalty incurred – the form and amount of fine, where

applicable;

3) Reason for non-compliance

4) Follow-up actions and timeline for resolution

5) Reference to relevant documents

Example:

- The site has received a “Violation letter dated 4 Apr 2012” for alleged violation of “failing

to secure license as hazardous waste generator".

- There was no fine resulting from this letter as we appealed to the Environmental

Protection Department explaining that we had already secured the license as of 25 March

2012.

- The charge was cleared since May 2012.

[Notice of alleged violation letter 4th Apr 2012, photo copy of Appeal letter (14 April

2012), EPD-license 25 March 2012]




��FAC-1.2.1 Do you have a formal environmental management system or program aimed at understanding and continually

improving this site’s environmental impacts? (15 points)


� Your site has already carried out environmental impact assessment to identify the most significant environmental impacts; and

� The site’s EMS has formal documentation and clear environmental policy that describes the site’s activities, products, and services including a commitment to

continual improvement and prevention of pollution; and

� Relevant staff is trained to implement and maintain the EMS including environmental policy, procedures and the EMS as a whole, and potential consequences

of departure from procedures; and

� The EMS is continually reviewed by management.

For more information, please visit the Help tab within the web tool (https://higg.summitenergy.com/Help/Help.aspx) and watch the video called “Overview of

Environmental Management Systems (EMSs)” and “How to Create an Environmental Management System (EMS)”, please see “Self-help Resources” for more details

on the videos.

For a list of recognized EMS framework, please refer to “Useful Resources”.

See Glossary�Environmental management system (EMS), Environmental Policy, Management Review

SUB-QUESTION Please summarize the key elements of your environmental management system or program.


1) Description of the policy laid out in the EMS;

2) Description of areas of focus (key environmental aspects) of the EMS, if

it is not based on a recognized EMS framework;


Example:

- The EMS is based on the ISO 14001 framework, with a Plan-do-check-act

cycle that guides decision-making. The policy includes 6 key commitments

covering legal compliance and continuous improvement of key environmental

aspects (energy, water use, wastewater, air emissions and waste,

customers/internal requirements on EMS, etc)

[Environmental Management System Manual v.1.4 2011 p.3-4]



SUB-QUESTION How are employees being trained about your program?

SUB-QUESTION How often are management reviews of the system/program held?


1) Description of the training occasion (context), frequency;

2) Description of content of training in relation to EMS, and the personnel

trained;

3) Reference to relevant documentation like training materials and

attendance record.

Example:

EMS Trainings have been conducted since 2011, either at staff orientation or

annual training.

Topics include cleaner production laws and regulations, Environmental policy

and EMS program and monitoring, auditing and data collection, case studies,

awareness training, etc.

Participants include department heads, EHS team members and operational

heads. – [you could give the specific names of people too, as another example]

[EMS training summary in 2011 in 2012 Sustainability Audit Report p.48]


1) Description of the frequency and regularity of management review of

the EMS aforementioned;

2) Latest date of review, or next scheduled date of review if the EMS has

been implemented recently;


Example:

EMS is reviewed once a year in March.

Last reviewed on 24 March 2012.

[Internal EMS review record dated 24 March 2012]



��FAC-1.2.2 Does your site have an overarching environmental strategy that prioritizes impact reduction areas and sets long-

term targets (3-5 years) to achieve significant environmental performance improvements? (15 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

ENVIRONMENTAL TARGET

• A specific task in the achievement of an environmental objective. Environmental targets must be stated in a measurable and quantifiable manner.

(ISO14001:2004)

• A detailed performance requirement (quantified where possible and applicable to all or parts of the organization), that arises from the setting of environmental

objectives and which needs to be set and met in order to achieve those objectives. (US EPA EMS Glossary)

• Targets can be based on absolute data or normalized data


� The site’s EMS is supported by an overarching environmental strategy that drives continual improvement of environmental performance in the medium to

long term (3 years or above); and

� The site has formal, quantifiable and documented long-term environmental targets (3-5+ years) set against clearly stated baseline year and performance

level.

The baseline year and the baseline performance level (e.g. annual energy use, water use per unit, emissions per unit etc.), once decided for each target, should

remain unchanged.

See Glossary �Overarching environmental strategy (of Environmental management system)

SUB-QUESTION If requested, are you able to provide a copy of your environmental strategy?


State whether you can provide copies of your environmental strategy.

Example:

Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.




��FAC-1.3.1 Does this site work with its suppliers or sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance across any

relevant impact areas (e.g., energy/greenhouse gas, water use, waste, etc.)? (10 points)


� The site has documented engagement activities with at least one upstream supplier or sub-contractor whose environmental performance in the relevant

impact area is considered significant; and

� The engagement is aimed at improving the said suppliers’ environmental performance.

See Glossary �Suppliers or subcontractors

SUB-QUESTION Describe how you work with suppliers to improve their environmental performance across any or all relevant impact areas.


1) Description of the form of engagement: e.g. whether through

organizing best-practice sharing, training, contractual agreement or

other.

2) Description of scope of supplier engaged: whether all suppliers are

engaged or for specific groups only.


Example:

- All material suppliers are engaged by our sourcing department to pass a pledge

of environmental compliance, and when signing contracts they would all be

required to sign our Group’s Environmental Protection Agreement, committing

to continuously reduce impact across the relevant areas.

[Suppliers compliance survey v.2 and Group Environmental Protection

Agreement, 2011]



SUB-QUESTION Describe how you work with sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance across any or all relevant impact areas.


1) Description of the form of engagement: e.g. whether through

organizing best-practice sharing, training, contractual agreement or

other.

2) Description of scope sub-contractors engaged: whether all sub-

contractor are engaged or for specific groups only.


Example:

- All laundry sub-contractor are engaged by our administrative department to

pass a pledge of environmental compliance, to ensure that the sub-contractor

has a valid permit for wastewater discharge. When signing contracts they would

all be required to sign our Group’s Environmental Protection Agreement,

committing to continuously reduce impact across the relevant areas.

[Subcontractor engagement program and Group Environmental Protection

Agreement, 2011]



��FAC-1.3.2 Are this site’s environmental management systems certified and/or audited by an independent third party

auditor or an accredited internal auditor? (10 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

ACCREDITED INTERNAL AUDITOR (ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM)

• A person that has received training from an independent external training organisation on environmental management system auditing and the training course

is certified by a reputable professional organisation such as the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), International Registration of

Certified Auditors (IRCA), etc.


� Either, the site’s EMS is verified / certified for conformity to a particular international standard; or

� The site’s EMS is in compliance to an international standard that allows for self-declaration, and the site’s accredited internal auditor has

identified and declared the site’s conformity to this standard, with relevant documentation required by this standard like internal audit plan,

audit records and corrective actions logs

SUB-QUESTION If certified or audited, please upload the certificate or audit report.


Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to upload the certificate or audit report.

Click “choose file” and choose the electronic copy of the certificate or the audit report (in doc, pdf, ppt or zip format).



SUB-QUESTION If an audit was conducted, who conducted the audit and was it an internal or external auditor?”


1) Name the title of the international standard / framework, stating the

date the certification was completed;

2) State the type of audit: 3rd Party or self-certification/declaration/

internal audit

3) State organization / professional body/ internal auditor who carried

out the audit;


Example:

ISO14001, 3rd party certification completed in Nov 2010 by SGS China.

[ISO14001 certification report and certification, Nov 2010]



��FAC-1.3.3 Does your site make information on its air emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, water discharges, and waste

generation available to the public? (20 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

MAKE INFORMATION AVAILABLE

• Procedures for external communication includes the process for receiving, documenting and responding to relevant communications from external interested

parties.

• Information may be made publicly available to external stakeholders through a website or environmental report, however the information about each site must

be identifiable in the report, not only aggregated.


� The site’s environmental performance progress is proactively made available to the general public and other external stakeholders.

� Stakeholders are notified of where to look for the environmental performance information available

The site must be proactively making the information available, not just passively responding to requests.

See Glossary � Stakeholders (internal and external)

SUB-QUESTION How is information made available? If it is provided on a public website, please list the website address.


1) Description the form of external communications: e.g. whether through

reports mailed to a mailing list or published on website, site-visits etc.

2) Provide the hyperlink, if the report is published online.


Example:

- The site’s energy, water use and COD performance are included in the Group

sustainability report published annually.

- The report can be found at www.example.com/report2011.pdf

[Annual sustainability report 2011, pp. 55-56, 88-92]



��Leading Practice Survey

��FAC-1.3.4 Does your site make information on its resource consumption (energy and water use) available to the general

public? (Not scored)


� The site’s energy and water consumption information is proactively made available to the general public and other external stakeholders.

� Stakeholders are notified of where to look for the environmental performance information available

The site must be proactively making the information available, not just passively responding to requests.

See Glossary � Stakeholders (internal and external)

SUB-QUESTION How is this information made available? If it is provided on a public website, please list the website address.


1) Description the form of external communications: e.g. whether

through reports mailed to a mailing list or published on website, site-

visits etc.

2) Provide the hyperlink of the website.

Example:

- The site annual electricity consumption is reported on the company’s website

annually.

- The electricity consumption details can be found at

http://www.example.com/csr/energy

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS


ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 1

��FAC-2.1.1 Does this site track and measure, at least annually, energy use from all sources, including energy used on-site

(direct) and purchased energy (indirect)? (10 points)

� EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:

� You have documented tracking of all direct and indirect energy use of the site.

SUB-QUESTION Select the sources/types of energy used at your facility site. You may select more than one source/type of energy.


Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to fill in the following:

1) List of all sources of energy use on site;

2) Frequency and method of measurement for each source of energy;

3) For each source of direct energy use, describe where it is used.

Example:




��FAC-2.1.2 How much electricity does your site use each year? (5 points)


� If electricity is not consumed at your site, choose “I do not use electricity at my site”.

� If electricity is consumed but not tracked, choose “I have electricity at my site but it is not measured”.

� If electricity is consumed and tracked, choose “I have electricity at my site and it is measured (please input value to score points)”.

SUB-QUESTION



1) Total amount of annual electricity consumption, and;

2) The corresponding unit of measure.

Example:




? FAC-2.1.3 How much steam does your site use each year? (5 points)


� If steam is not consumed at your site, choose “I do not use steam at my site”.

� If steam is consumed but not tracked, choose “I have steam at my site but it is not measured”.

� If steam is consumed and tracked, choose “I have steam at my site and it is measured (please input value to score points)”.

SUB-QUESTION



1) Total amount of annual steam consumption, and;


Example:

Screenshot from The HIGG 2.0 web tool.



��FAC-2.1.4 Does this site calculate and track, at least annually, its greenhouse gas emissions? (10 points)


� The site has documented tracking and calculation of GHG emissions, covering the scope required by national guidelines and against national reporting

framework where the site is located, using relevant and up-to-date emissions factors; or

� There is documented tracking and calculation of the site’s GHG emissions, covering at least scope 1 & scope 2 emissions according to internationally

recognized standards, such as GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting & Reporting Guidelines or ISO 14064:2006-1

If your site tracks energy use but has not calculated or converted energy usage data into GHG emission, select “NO,” since energy use is only a portion of your

GHG emissions. Factories may consider using online tools or working with qualified 3rd

party professional services to support GHG accounting and inventories in

order to comply with the recognized international standards. For more information on online carbon reporting tools, please refer to “Useful Resources”.

See Glossary � Greenhouse gas emissions

SUB-QUESTION What tool or guide did you use to calculate your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?


1) Name the GHG accounting framework or guideline your site’s GHG

emissions are tracked and calculated against, noting the version used.


Example:

GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard Revised

Edition (Simplified Chinese)

[GHG accounting report 2011-2012]



SUB-QUESTION What energy sources are the GHG emission calculations based on?


1) State all the energy sources the GHG emissions have been calculated

based on.


Example:

Fuel for boiler use, purchased electricity, heavy oil, coal.

[GHG accounting report 2011-2012, monthly energy use and GHG

inventory]




��FAC-2.2.1 Do you set and review at least annually improvement targets for reducing energy use (including fuel use for on-

site transportation if applicable)? (10 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

FORMAL TARGET FOR ENERGY USE

• A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s annual energy use of an energy source. A formal target must:

1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") and the performance level (i.e. annual energy use or "baseline") at start date;

2) include an end date of the target, meaning the intended completion of the required reductions;

3) include an exact reduction quantity, expressed in percentage;

4) be relevant to reducing the site’s energy use; and,

5) frequency of reviewing the target.

• Formal targets in this instance may be absolute or normalized.

• For more information, please watch a video called “Overview of Improvement Targets,” which is available on the Help tab within the web tool.


� Your site has documented formal target(s) for annual energy use reduction for at least one or more energy sources (e.g. electricity, coal, fuel,

or aggregated into kilowatt-hour (kWh), British therms (thm), mega joule (MJ), etc.); and

� The targets are communicated to relevant staff who responsible in delivering them; and

� There is supporting evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets; and

� Targets are at least reviewed annually.

If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must already be in place.



SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal energy reduction targets?


Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to list of all formal energy targets, and for each target, state:

- target name

- target type (absolute or normalized)

- the base year and target year

- % Reduction from base year

- metric for normalized target (e.g. piece of garment produced, yard of fabric produce, per kg of garment produced, standard allowable hour (SAH))

- review frequency;

Example:

Screenshot from Higg 2.0 web tool.



SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress toward your site’s energy reduction targets.

��FAC-2.2.2 Do you set and review at least annually improvement targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? (5

points)


� Your site has formal reduction target(s) (normalized or absolute) for GHG emissions; and

� The targets are communicated to relevant staff who responsible in delivering them; and

� There is supporting evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets; and





1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for energy reduction, state:

- Department/ person responsible for the plan

- Timeframe of the plan (e.g. 5-year)

- Year that the plan was implemented (e.g. 2010)


Example:

Energy reduction plan was established by the engineering team and approved

by plant manager in October 2010. The plan guides the energy reduction of the

facility from 2010 to 2015.

[Energy reduction plan 2010 v.1, EMS manual p.120-122]



SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal targets?


Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to list of all GHG targets, and for each target, state:

- target name





- review frequency

Example:

Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool



��FAC-2.2.3 Has your site had an energy audit conducted in the last three years by a certified professional to identify

potential energy and cost savings? (15 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

ENERGY AUDIT (also called energy assessment):

An energy audit of a site is a detailed inspection, assessment and analysis of the site’s overall hardware and operations, with a view to enhance energy efficiency

and identify potential alternative energy sources. A profession energy audit helps identify energy consumption and emissions of GHGs by process and activity and

to identify opportunities for further energy efficiency. (Higg and US EPA glossary)

• An energy audit should identify for the site, savings (energy and costs) and pay-back rates by specific investment or action (e.g., investing $X in a lighting

retrofit will save ___ kWh annually, which equals $Z in savings and a payback of ___ months.) (Higg)


� An energy audit has been conducted for the site in the past 3 years by a certified professional; and

� The energy audit provided a detailed analysis of costs and energy saving opportunities with payback estimates for the site as a whole

Audits carried out for implementation of particular measures does not qualify as an energy audit.

SUB-QUESTION When was the audit conducted?


1) Month and year of energy audit(s) conducted

2) Name professional organization that has conducted the audit(s)


Example:

Energy audit conducted in May 2010 by ERM

[ERM Energy Audit report 2010]



SUB-QUESTION What opportunities for reducing energy were identified in the audit (e.g., lighting retrofit)?

SUB-QUESTION Which recommended measures did you implement or are you planning to implement?


1) List top 5 energy saving opportunities by annual saving estimated


Example:

Steam recovery;

Use of eco-refrigerant;

Lighting retrofit;

Boiler insulation;

Boiler steam pressure regulation;

[ERM Energy Audit report 2010]


1) List all the measures identified in the energy audit report that the site

has subsequently implemented.


Example:

Steam recovery and lighting retrofit

[EMS Manual 2011 p.120-124, EMS targets progress report 2012 p.10-21]




��FAC-2.3.1 Has your site implemented any energy conservation or efficiency measures? (15 points)


� Your site has implemented energy conservation or efficiency measures

SUB-QUESTION - Select the energy conservation measures or practices implemented at your site. You may select more than one energy conservation

measure or practice, and select “Other” more than once.

- Briefly describe the energy conservation measure or practice implemented at your site.

- In what year was it completed?


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in information about the measures implemented. For each measure, state:

- the type of measure or practice implemented (select from dropdown list);

- a brief description, including the type of energy saved (e.g. coal, electricity, etc.) and the specific changes made to your facility to achieve energy conservation

or efficiency

- the year it was implemented

Example:

Screenshot from Higg 2.0 web tool



��FAC-2.3.2 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the amount of energy used for your site? (15 points)


� Your site has achieved reduction in absolute or normalized energy use for at least one or more energy sources (e.g. electricity, coal, fuel, or

aggregated into kilowatt-hour (kWh), British therms (thm), mega joule (MJ), etc.); and

� The reduction is attributable to measures taken by the site.

See Glossary � Normalized energy reductions

SUB-QUESTION Please explain your energy reduction achievement:

1) Which sources of energy were reduced?

2) What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction? (For example: energy consumption reduced by 0.02 kWh per unit produced is a normalized

reductions as the reductions is normalized with a selected metric)

3) Over what time period did you achieve the reduction?

SUB-QUESTION What specific changes to your site or operations reduced energy use?


1) List the sources of energy reduced (electricity, diesel oil, etc.)

2) The exact amount (absolute or normalized) of energy that was

reduced

3) Time period which your facility achieved energy reduction;


Example:

1) Electricity, coal

2) Site electricity use intensity (kwh/sweater) has reduced by 3%; Site total

coal consumption (ton) has reduced by 4%

3) From 2010 to 2012

[EMS manual p.120-122, EMS targets progress review 2012]


1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to the

energy use reduction;


Example:

The energy use reduction is mainly due to the use of variable speed drive

motors for dryers since mid-2011 and the use of eco-refrigerant for air-

conditioning units in the knitting workshop since Nov 2011.

[Metering records log book 2011, EMS targets progress review 2012]



��FAC-2.3.3 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the amount of greenhouse (GHG) emitted for your site beyond

the reductions directly linked from reducing energy use? (10 points)


� Your site has evidence showing absolute or normalized reduction achieved in annual GHG emissions; and



SUB-QUESTION Please explain your GHG reduction achievement:

- How did you reduce your GHG emissions (For example: started using 5% solar power)?

- What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction? (For example: GHG emissions reduced by 0.03 kgCO2e per unit produced)

- Over what time period did you achieve the reduction?

SUB-QUESTION What percentage of your energy use is from any on-site or off-site renewable sources (e.g., wind, solar, hydro-electric, geothermal,

biomass, etc.)?


1) List measures the site has carried out that have contributed to the

GHG reduction;

2) The exact amount (absolute or normalized) of GHG that was reduced,

3) Time period which your facility achieved GHG reduction;


Example:

1) Installation of biomass for boiler

2) Site GHG emissions (kgCO2e/sweater) has reduced by 3%

3) From 2010 to 2012

[Boiler fuel log 2012, GHG accounting report 2012]


Provide the % of renewable energy use annually as a fraction of the site’s

total energy use (i.e. renewable energy use in MW per year / total site

energy use in MW in that year);

Example:




SUB-QUESTION Describe any greenhouse gas or carbon offsets you have purchased (quantity, offset type, vendor).


��FAC-2.3.4 Please list and describe any practices, programs, technology, or methods you utilize at your site that you

consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly reducing energy use and/or greenhouse gas

emissions? (Not scored)


1) Quantity of greenhouse gas or carbon offset purchased

2) Type of offset purchased

3) Company from which the carbon offset is purchased


Example:

2000 metric tonnes of carbon offset is purchased from Carbon Offset Limited

in March 2011. Carbon offset generated from a hydro power for the island of

Java, Indonesia.

[Carbon offset certificate from Carbon Offset Limited, March 2011]

Example:

Skylight in storage area

- Skylight system was installed in May 2010 on the rooftop of storage area and replaced the traditional T8 tubes (50 tubes in total). The skylight is

developed by facility own engineering team by using water-filled plastic water bottles.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 3: WATER USE


WATER USE - LEVEL 1

��FAC-3.1.1 Do you measure and track total water consumption for your site (including domestic and process water)? (25

points)


� Your site has documented tracking of all on-site water use, fulfilling the requirements below.

See Glossary � Domestic and process water

SUB-QUESTION Select the sources for water used at your site. You may select more than one source, and you may select "Other" more than once.


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the following:

1) List of all sources of water use on site;

2) For each source of water use, describe where it is used.

3) Frequency and method of measurement for each source of water

Example:




��FAC-3.1.2 How much water do you use each year at your site? (5 points)



1) Total amount of water use, and;


Example:




WATER USE - LEVEL 2

��FAC-3.2.1 Do you set, and review at least annually, formal targets for reducing water use at your site? (10 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

FORMAL TARGET FOR WATER BY SOURCE USE

• A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s annual water use of a particular water source. A formal target must:

1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") of target, the measurement unit, and the baseline consumption (i.e. m3/year at 2010 baseline)

2) include an end date of the target, meaning the intended completion of the required reductions; and

3) include an exact reduction quantity, expressed as a number (e.g. reduce by 1 million m3/ 100K USD) or a percentage (e.g. reduce by 5%).

4) be relevant to reducing the site’s water use (e.g. focuses on the most significant water uses at the site)



� There is documented formal reduction target(s) for annual water use of your primary water sources (e.g., mains, surface water, groundwater,

recycled water etc.) that fulfil the above definition; and

� Staff is trained and made responsible for delivering the targets; and

� There is evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets; and





SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal water use reduction targets?

SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress toward your site’s water reduction targets.


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list of all formal energy targets, and for each target, state:

- target name





- review frequency;

Example:

Screenshot from Higg 2.0 web tool.


1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for water reduction, state:





Example:

Water reduction plan was established by the Factory EMS team and approved

by plant manager in December 2009. The plan guides the energy reduction of

the facility from 2010 to 2014.

[EMS targets progress review 2012, Sustainability Report 2012]



��FAC-3.2.2 Has your site had a water audit conducted to identify potential water and cost savings? (20 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

WATER AUDIT

• A water audit of a site is an assessment and analysis of the site’s overall water consumption, with a view to identify opportunity to reduce water

consumption and make water consumption more efficient. (Higg and NRDC glossary)

• A water audit should identify for the site, savings (water and costs) and pay-back rates by specific investment or action (e.g., investing $X in a water recycling

project will save ___ L of water annually, which equals $Z in savings and a payback of ___ months.)


� A water audit has been conducted for the site in the past 3 years by a certified professional; and

� The water audit provided a detailed analysis of costs and water saving opportunities with payback estimates for the site as a whole

Audits carried out for implementation of particular measures does not qualify as a water audit.

SUB-QUESTION When was the audit conducted?


1) Month and year of water audit(s) conducted.

Example:

Water audit conducted in December 2011.



SUB-QUESTION Was it conducted by a third party or internally?

SUB-QUESTION What opportunities were identified? (e.g., leakages, efficiency)

SUB-QUESTION What opportunities were implemented?


1) Name of the third party organisation or internal staff that has

conducted the audit(s).


Example:

Yes. It was conducted by SGS Indonesia.

[SGS Water Audit report 2011]


1) List top 3 water saving opportunities by annual saving estimated


Example:

Condensate recovery for boiler feed water;

Rainwater collection for toilet flush water;

Installation of aerator at all faucets.

[SGS Water Audit report 2011]


1) List all the measures identified in the water audit report that the site

has subsequently implemented.


Example:

Rainwater collection for toilet flush water;

Installation of aerator at all faucets.

[EMS Manual 2012 p.120-124, EMS targets progress report 2012 p.10-21]



WATER USE - LEVEL 3

��FAC-3.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the quantity of water used for your site, such as by reusing

rinse water or capturing condensate or cooling water? (40 points)


� There is evidence of normalized or absolute reduction of annual water use for at least one primary water sources (e.g., mains, surface water, groundwater,

recycled water etc.); and


SUB-QUESTION Where is the water captured and where is it reused? (describe all)

If the reduction in water use is achieved by measures other than recycling/reusing measures, please state “Water recycling measure not in place.”, then fill in

the other measures implemented which leads to reduction in water use.


1) List of water reduction achievement according to:

- the location where water is captured for recycling

- the location where recycled water is used


Example:

Condensate from laundry is captured and reused as feed-in water for boiler.

[EMS manual p.124-128]



SUB-QUESTION What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction from these changes?

SUB-QUESTION Over what time period did you achieve the reduction?


1) List of water reduction achievement according to:

- the absolute or normalized amount of water that was reduced

- which sources of water were reduced

- the metric for normalization (for normalize reduction)


Example:

Per garment groundwater use was reduced by 2% (0.17 m3 by garment)

[Metering records log book 2010-2012, EMS targets progress review 2012]


1) Time period which your facility achieved water reduction;


Example:

From 2010-2012.






consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly reducing water use? (Not scored)

Example:

Cold pad batch processing for pretreatment and dyeing

- Cold pad batch system was installed in June 2011 to replace the original dyeing system. With this method, dyes are embedded into the fabric using a

padder, and the fabric is then stored to allow complete reaction between the fabric and chemicals prior to rinse. (Example from NRDC Clean by Design)

- We are the first fabric mill in the province to install the cold pad batch technology.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT


WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 1

��FAC-4.1.1 Is all wastewater that is discharged from this site being treated with primary and secondary treatment? (15

points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Wastewater from a facility can be treated on-site (at the facility) or off-site (at a centralized wastewater treatment facility operated by local government or

service provider). Common methods of wastewater treatment include:

• Primary – screening and settling; clarification where solids settle, oil and grease float

• Secondary – biological decomposition; degradation of organic content with aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment

• Tertiary – additional methods to further improve water quality, for example: disinfection, nutrient removal, reverse osmosis/ultra-filtration

(Higg)


� All of the site’s wastewater discharge has undergone primary and secondary treatment, either on-site or off-site to meet regulatory requirements, and

� There is documented contingency plan (or emergency plan) in place to ensure that discharge meets said regulatory requirement in case of malfunctioning

of on-site treatment facilities or contracted off-site facilities.

See Glossary � Wastewater/Effluent Treatment



SUB-QUESTION Where is the primary or secondary treatment occurring (on-site, off-site, or a combination of both)?

SUB-QUESTION If treatment is occurring on-site, what specific types of treatment are used: primary, secondary, and tertiary?

SUB-QUESTION If any treatment is occurring off-site, what is the treatment facility used (name and location)?


1) State the location of primary or secondary treatment.


Example:

Both primary and secondary treatment occurs on-site.

[2012 treatment tank monitoring report, EMS manual p.19-24, Pollution Control

audit report 2012 p.16, discharge permit]


1) State the form of primary, secondary or tertiary treatment used

for treatment;


Example:

Primary treatment (clarification) and secondary treatment (chemical and

biochemical). Treated effluent meeting local regulatory standards is discharged to

the river.

[Environmental Emergency Response Plan v.4 p.80-90]


1) State the name and location of off-site treatment used;

2) State the form of treatment used.


Example:

Off-site secondary treatment (biochemical) facility:

Resolute Waters, address: 234 Bowmore, Diandi province, 13340 Example County.

[Effluents treatment record 2012, Service contract signed 2009, invoices in 2012]



��FAC-4.1.2 Do you monitor the quantity and quality of wastewater produced at your site? (10 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

MEASURING WASTEWATER

The quantity and quality of the water discharged by the reporting organization is directly linked to ecological impact and operational costs. As such, wastewater

measurement should track a set of relevant standard parameters, including at least but not limited to:

• the volume of wastewater;

• total suspended solids content (TSS);

• chemical oxygen demand (COD);

where applicable.


� Your site has assessed and identified the most significant sources of wastewater / effluent generated, and

� You site measures and tracks the amount and quality of all wastewater generated.

Include all manufacturing and/or commercial activities within the facility site’s wastewater generation, including domestic use, as well as wastewater/effluent

from dormitories (e.g., bathrooms, showers, kitchens.) when answering

See Glossary � Wastewater



SUB-QUESTION What contaminants do you measure?

SUB-QUESTION At what frequency are they measured?


1) List the most significant sources of wastewater / effluent of the site;

2) For each source, describe:

- the volume of wastewater

- the type of wastewater the drain carries (e.g., process/trade, storm

water, etc.)

- the wastewater generation source/ point (e.g. where does it come

from?)

- the wastewater discharge destination / receiving body (e.g. where

does it go?)

- the types of contaminants (e.g., solvents, oils/greases, solid

matter, etc.) that may be discharged from that source

- sampling method (e.g. frequency and location of the test being

conducted)


Example:

1st: Process effluent from denim wash treated and discharged to wastewater

treatment plant; Contaminants include: dye, chemicals and auxiliaries for

washing; Annual volume: 34,000m3

2nd: Process effluent from Finishing treated and discharged to river.

Contaminants include: trace amount of solvents, oil; Annual volume: 20,000m3

3rd: Domestic water from toilets, showers in the dormitory discharged to

municipal treatment. Contaminants include: organic solid matter. Annual

volume: 19,000m3

All process water has COD, TSP, measured and real-time monitoring system in

place at the wastewater pipe from the finishing and washing workshop.

[2012 treatment tank monitoring report, workshop one water meter log 2012,

EMS manual p.19-24, Pollution Control audit report 2012 p.16]


1) The frequency of wastewater quantity measurement.


Example:

Quantity of wastewater is tracked by water meter, record is taken weekly.

[2012 treatment tank monitoring report, workshop one water meter log 2012,

EMS manual p.19-24, Pollution Control audit report 2012 p.16]



��FAC- 4.1.3 What is the daily wastewater production at your site? (5 points)


� You have tracked the daily wastewater generated at your facility for the last calendar year.

Wastewater generated includes water that is either discharged, reclaimed/recycled or reuse at your site.

SUB-QUESTION What is the daily wastewater production at your site?


The quantity of daily wastewater generated at your facility in the last full

calendar year (e.g. For 2014 Higg submission, please fill in the quantity of

wastewater discharged daily for 2013).

Example:





��FAC-4.2.1 Do you set and review at least annually formal targets for improving wastewater quality for your site? (30

points)


� There are documented formal improvement target(s) for annual aggregated wastewater discharge quality, or formal target(s) for both wastewater quality

improvement and volume reduction that fulfil the above definition;

� Staff is trained and made responsible for delivering the targets;

� There is supporting evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets;

� Targets are at least reviewed annually with documented evidence.

If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must be in place.

See Glossary � Wastewater Quality, Formal wastewater quality target

SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal wastewater quality improvement targets?


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list all formal wastewater quality improvement and volume reduction targets, and for each target, state:

- target name





- review frequency;




SUB-QUESTION Describe your procedure for testing wastewater quality. Please include the frequency of testing, whether testing is done internally or

externally, and the testing parameters used (e.g. BOD, COD, pH, and others).

SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress towards your site's improvement target.

Example:



1) The frequency of wastewater quality testing;

2) The name of the party conducted the testing;

3) The testing parameters used;


Example:

Quality of wastewater is measured by third-party laboratory every 6 months. The

test measures the follow parameters: colour, pH, BOD, COD, Total Suspended

Particulates).

[Pollution Control audit report 2012 p.16]


1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for wastewater reduction,

state:





Example:

Wastewater reduction plan was established by engineering team in 2011. The

plan guides the reduction of wastewater from 2011-2015.

[EMS targets progress review 2012, Sustainability Report 2012]




��FAC-4.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of improving the wastewater quality for your site? (40 points)


� Your site has documented evidence showing improvement in discharge water quality over time.

� The quality improvement is attributable to measures taken by the site.

Evidence of reducing wastewater volume alone is insufficient. For instance, if you decrease your wastewater discharge volume, you may inadvertently create

wastewater quality that is untreatable (on-site or off-site) and have a net-negative impact.

SUB-QUESTION Which types of pollutants were reduced:


1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to

improve wastewater quality


Example:

COD and pH.

[Pollution Control Audit Report 2011p.19, Pollution Control Audit Report

2012 p.22]



SUB-QUESTION What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction from these changes?

SUB-QUESTION Over what time period you achieved the wastewater quality improvement:



consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly improving wastewater quality. (Not scored)


1) List of wastewater quality improvements according to:

- the absolute or normalized amount of pollutants reduced,

- the metric for normalization (for normalized reduction),

- the baseline year and baseline water quality level.


Example:

Wastewater COD improvement achieved in 2011 compared against 2009

baseline. A 38% COD/ tonne of fabric reduction was achieved against a 50

kg/t baseline.



1) Time period which your facility achieved wastewater reduction;


Example:

2 years.

[EMS targets progress review 2012, p.22]

Example:

Tertiary wastewater treatment

- Following the biological and chemical treatment process, adsorption on activated carbon with recycling of the activated carbon to the activated sludge

system and destruction of the adsorbed non-biodegradable compounds by incineration or radical treatment of the excess sludge. (Example from EU

Report - Document on Best Available Techniques for the Textile Industry (BREF, 2003). The system was installed in October 2013.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR


EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 1

*This section may not be applicable to all facilities. For facilities who declared that “emissions to air do not apply to this facility site” in the “Facility Site Info” section

of the Higg self-assessment questionnaire, this section will not be weighted in your total Higg score.

��FAC-5.1.1 Do you maintain a current list (“inventory”) of emissions to air and their sources at your site? (10 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

EMISSION TO AIR

Air emissions generated by the site’s main activities (e.g. related to the process) activities and equipment (e.g. boilers, generators, cooling towers etc.). (GSCP)

Main emissions include pollutants of concern at the source power generation, steam generation and/or textile manufacturing, which may include the following

criteria air pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM 0.5, PM 2.5 and PM 10), SOx (Sulfur Oxides), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Ozone

Depleting Substances (ODSs), Toxic Air Pollutants (e.g. associated with solvents, adhesives), Lead, Carbon Monoxide, Water Vapor and Steam. (Higg)

Note: Greenhouse gas emissions are not covered in this Section, but covered in Section 2 – Energy Use and GHG Emissions - of the Higg Index.


� Your site has identified the air emissions related to its main activities and equipment operated on-site including core facility operations (e.g., production

line equipment, manufacturing processes, etc.) and non-core facility operations (e.g., boilers, generators, cooling towers, etc.);

� Your site has kept an inventory of emissions to air.

Refer to the Useful Resources chapter for information about the air emission inventory.

See Glossary � Air Emission Inventory



SUB-QUESTION What are your site’s main emissions to air?


1) Emission sources present on-site;

2) The quantity of pollutant emitted from the sources listed (if

known or estimated);

3) Any control devices (e.g. abatement equipment) installed;

4) Whether the particular emission is legally regulated. If yes, state

the name of the regulation.


Example:

Air emission sources presented on-site: coal boiler. Scrubber was installed to

capture soot and particulates generated during the combustion in the boiler.

Test conducted show that pollutants emitted are within the limits of government

regulation - Act 234 Air Pollutants from Manufacturing Activities.

Main pollutants from coal boiler:

- NOx – 12 mg/m3; SO2 – 10 mg/m

3; Particulate – 12.5 mg/m

3

[Environmental Impact Assessment Report, P.23-24; Environmental Agency Half-

Yearly Monitoring Report, P.2-3; Air pollution permit, issued 2011]



�� FAC-5.1.2 Are air emissions at your site regularly tested and monitored by a certified professional or laboratory? (20

points)

SUB-QUESTION How frequently does testing take place?

SUB-QUESTION Please upload the test report.


1) The frequency of air emission testing at the emission source (not

indoors or outdoors ambient air);

2) Test report from certified professional or laboratory, showing the

type, source, quality and quantity of air pollutants present at

your site.

Example:

Testing on emissions from boiler is conducted every 6 month by government

accredited laboratory – Precision Lab Ltd. Last test conducted in June 2013.

[Precision Lab Air pollutants Monitoring Report, 13 June 2013]


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to upload the test report.

Click “choose file” and choose the electronic copy of the certificate or the audit report (in doc, pdf, ppt or zip format).




��FAC-5.2.1 Do you set, and review at least annually, formal targets for reducing emissions to air at your site? (30 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

FORMAL TARGET FOR AIR EMISSION BY SOURCE USE

A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s air emission of a particular source. A formal target must:

1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") of target, the measurement unit, and baseline emissions (i.e. µg/m3 /year at 2010 baseline); and


3) include an exact reduction quantity, expressed as a number (e.g. reduce by 0.) or a percentage (e.g. reduce by 5%); and

4) be relevant to reducing the site’s emissions to air (e.g. focuses on the most significant air pollutants/air emission source at the site)

Note: This question refers to the reduction of air emissions, not the inputs causing the emissions (e.g. reduced total production capacity, reduced total

operation hours). This goes beyond the benefits achieved as a result of reducing energy. (Higg)


� There is documented formal reduction target(s) for air emissions of significant emission sources (e.g., boiler, generator etc.); and



� Targets are reviewed at least annually.




SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal air emissions reduction targets?

SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress towards your site’s air emissions reduction targets.


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list of all formal air emissions targets, and for each target, state:

- target name





- review frequency;

Example:



1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for air emissions reduction,

state:





Example:

Air emissions reduction plan was established by environmental task force in

2013. The plan guides the implementation of air emission control measures from

2013-2015 e.g. wet scrubbers in coal boiler.

[Factory sustainability target 2013, p.3 - action plan]




��FAC- 5.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the quantity of emissions to air for your site beyond reductions

resulting from reducing energy use? (40 points)


� There is evidence of absolute or normalized reduction of air emissions for at least one air emission source from your facility

(e.g., NOx from boiler, SO2 from generator, etc.).

� The air emissions reductions are attributable to measures taken by the site other than reducing energy use.

This section focuses on the reduction of air emission, not the input causing the emissions. For example, a reduction in coal consumption stated in Section 2

shall not be used again in this Section.

SUB-QUESTION Which types of air emissions were reduced?


1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to

improve air quality;


Example:

NOx emitted from boiler.

[Precision Lab Air Testing Report 2012 p.2, Precision Lab Air Testing Report

2013, p.3]



SUB-QUESTION What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction?

SUB-QUESTION Over what time period you achieved the reduction?

SUB-QUESTION What specific changes to your site or operations reduced the emissions to air?


1) List of air emissions reduction achievement according to:

- the absolute or normalized amount of pollutants reduced,


- the current, baseline year and baseline emission level.


Example:

NOx emitted from boiler reduced in 2013, compared against 2010 baseline.

A 10% NOx/ garment reductions were achieved against a 15µg/m3 garment

baseline.

[Precision Lab Air Testing Report 2012 p.2, Precision Lab Air Testing Report

2013, p.3]


1) Time period which your facility achieved air emissions reduction;


Example:

3 years (2010-2013).



1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to air

emission reduction beyond reductions resulting from reducing energy

use;


Example:

The air emission reduction is mainly due to the installation of scrubber and

use of cleaner coal in the boiler since mid-2012.

[Precision Lab Air pollutants Monitoring Report, June and December 2012,

EMS targets progress review 2012]





consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly reducing air emissions? (Not scored)

Example:

Real-time monitoring

Gas analyzer was installed in the at the boiler exhaust chimney in January 2011. The analyzer can provide real-time air quality (e.g. SO2, NOx) and flue gas ratio

(i.e. CO/CO2) in real time. The gas analyzer monitoring provides data that exceeds the requirements of local air regulations which specify to test their air quality

every 3 months.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT


WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1

��FAC-6.1.1 Do you measure and record, at least annually, waste generated from all waste streams at your site? (7.5 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

WASTE

• Waste is any substance or object which is discarded, intended to be discarded or is required to be discarded. Waste can include expired raw materials,

materials generated from a process for which there is no further use on-site, expired finished products, process or non-process by-products, customer

returns, redundant equipment, etc. It can also include electronic waste (or “e-waste”). (Higg) Waste can be further categorized into hazardous and non-

hazardous waste.

HAZARDOUS WASTE

• A hazardous waste is a waste that could cause harm to public health and/or the environment because of its chemical, physical, or biological characteristics

(e.g., it is flammable, explosive, toxic, radioactive, or infectious). (Higg)

Waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, gases, or sludge. They can be

discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes. (The U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency).

• Hazardous waste Facility should also review local legislations for definitions of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.


� Your site has identified all waste streams (e.g. through an Environmental Impact Assessment).

� Your site has identified all relevant local (country / provincial / city) regulations or other internationally recognized classification system in classifying

hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

� Your site has measured and recorded all waste streams generated (waste inventory) at least annually.

Refer to the Useful Resources chapter for i) information about the waste inventory examples.

See Glossary � Waste Inventory




Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list all the waste streams measured and recorded on site, state:

- Name of the waste stream

- Type of waste (i.e. hazardous or non-hazardous)

- Method of tracking waste (i.e. measured, calculated, projected or estimated)

- The disposal method (e.g. reused, recycled, incinerated, sent to landfill)

- Description of the source of waste (e.g. source of the waste)

Refer to the Useful Resources chapter for more details on tools used to classify waste generated on-site (e.g. classifying recyclable from non-recyclable

wastes; hazardous from non-hazardous wastes, etc.).

Example:




��FAC-6.1.2 How much solid waste is generated at your site each year? (5 points)

��FAC-6.1.3 How much hazardous waste is generated at your site each year? (5 points)



1) The amount of solid waste generated (Data entered should reflect

information collected during the last full calendar year. For example, if

the current year is 2013, the total annual solid waste production period

would be January through December 2012.);


Example:




1) The amount of hazardous waste generated (Data entered should reflect

information collected during the last full calendar year. For example, if the

current year is 2013, the total annual hazardous waste production period

would be January through December 2012.);


Example:




��FAC-6.1.4 How much of the waste generated is recycled instead of being disposed of each year? (5 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

RECYCLED WASTE

• Waste being recycled (or reused) within the facility

• Waste being sent to a service provider for recycling (or reuse) outside the facility

Note: The purpose of questions FAC-6.1.2, 6.1.3 and 6.1.4 is to help facilities create “baseline measurements of solid waste production/hazardous waste

production/waste recycling, identify opportunities for improvement, and track improvements over time. These data are not meant to be used by value chain

partners to compare facilities and make business decisions.



1) The amount of waste recycled (Data entered should reflect information

collected during the last full calendar year. For example, if the current

year is 2013, the total annual recycled waste period would be January

through December 2012.);


Example:




��FAC-6.1.5 Does your site segregate hazardous and non-hazardous waste AND provide training to personnel on handling

and segregating waste? (7.5 points)


� Your site has segregated hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

� Relevant staff or contractor is trained to manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste, the training shall include:

- Introduction on the use of proper tools and protective equipment when handling waste.

- Awareness on what the waste contains how to react to any incidents that may happen.

- An overview of legal requirements and the environmental consequences of poor waste handling and management.

- An overview of positive environmental benefits of waste segregation including quality control and ensuring highest value recycling options.

- An overview of legal requirements of waste handling and disposal where your facility is located

SUB-QUESTION Who conducted the last training on waste handling for your site? Please list company, name(s) and title(s).

��FAC-6.1.6 Do you ban all on-site waste disposal (including landfill, incineration, waste to energy)? (Not scored) (typical

legal requirement)


� Your facility has policy to ban all on-site waste disposal.


1) Date of the last training;

2) Topics covered in the training, and the personnel trained;

3) Name and title of the person (or company) that conducted the

training;


Example:

Waste Management Trainings have been conducted by factory’s environmental

officer John Tan since 2010, at staff orientation and annual training to waste

management staff.

Topics include legal requirements on waste handling, factory waste segregation

policy, hazardous waste handling procedure, spill handling, awareness training,

etc.

[Training materials presented in Waste Management Training in June 2013]




��FAC-6.2.1 Do you set, and review at least annually, improvement targets to reduce the quantity of waste generated for

your site? (30 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

FORMAL TARGET FOR WASTE BY SOURCE

A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s waste disposal of a particular source. A formal target must:

1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") of target, the measurement unit, and the baseline consumption (i.e. kg of waste per year at 2010

baseline); and


3) include an exact reduction quantity, expressed as a number (e.g. cotton waste to be reduced by 0.2kg/garment) or a percentage (e.g. reduce

by 5%); and

4) be relevant to reducing the site’s current waste disposal situation (e.g. focuses on the most significant waste stream at the site)


� There is documented formal reduction target(s) for significant waste stream (e.g., general waste, discarded fabrics, waste from cutting, etc.) that fulfil the

above definition; and







SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal waste reduction targets?


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list all the waste streams measured and recorded on site, state:

- target name





- review frequency

- review frequency;

Example:




SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress towards your site's waste reduction targets.

SUB-QUESTION Does your site have a recycling program in place to reduce waste?


1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for waste reduction, state:





Example:

Waste reduction plan was established by the Administration Team and approved

by EMS team in January 2012. The 5-year plan guides the waste reduction of the

facility from 2010 to 2015.

[EMS targets progress review 2013]


1) Briefly describe the recycling program in place, state:

- Year that the program was implemented


- Type of waste covered by the plan


Example:

Yes, factory-wide recycling program established by Administration Team and

approved by EMS team in January 2012. The plan describes the procedure for

segregating and recycling for the following types of waste:

- Aluminium cans

- Plastic (bottle and packaging materials)

- Used chemical containers

- Paper and cardboard

- Fabric waste (from the cutting tables and defect products)

[EMS targets progress review 2013]




��FAC-6.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the quantity of waste generated for your site? (40 points)


� There is evidence of absolute or normalized waste reduction for at least one of the waste streams your facility (e.g., general waste, discarded fabrics, waste

from cutting, etc.). Facility construction and demolition (C&D) waste should not be included in the normalization.

� The reductions are attributable to measures taken by the site.

SUB-QUESTION Which types of waste were reduced?


1) List the types of waste reduced due to measures taken at your facility

to reduce waste (i.e. the source of waste and the name of the waste

stream);


Example:

Fabric waste from the cutting table

[Waste Disposal Record 2012 p.22, Waste Disposal Record 2013, p.22]



SUB-QUESTION What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction?

SUB-QUESTION Over what time period you achieved the reduction?

SUB-QUESTION What specific changes to your site or operations reduced the waste disposed/treated?


1) List of waste reduction achievement according to:

- the absolute or normalized amount of waste reduced,


- the baseline year and baseline waste quantity .


Example:

Fabric waste form the cutting table reduced in 2013, compared against

2010 baseline. A 20% fabric waste/garment produced reduction was

achieved, from 10g per garment to 8g per garment.

[Waste Disposal Record 2012 p.22, Waste Disposal Record 2013, p.22]


1) Time period which your facility achieved waste reduction;


Example:

3 years (2010-2013).



1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to waste

reduction;


Example:

The waste reduction is mainly due to installation of laser cutting machine.

Precision cutting maximize the cutting area on a fabric.

[Waste Disposal Record 2013, EMS targets progress review 2013]





consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly reducing waste? (Not scored)

Example:

Upcycling of coal ash

- Coal ash from the boiler room was reused and upcycled to bricks by the engineering team. The bricks were used to pave footpath within the facility.

With this initiative, 0.7 tonnes of coal ash is being reused every month since April 2013.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT


CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1


��FAC-7.1.1 Has this facility assessed its chemicals management performance using the Chemicals Management Module

“Supplier” indicators? (Not Scored)

� KEY DEFINITION:

Chemicals Management Module (CMM)

• Developed by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the Chemicals Management Module (CMM) is a roadmap for companies to benchmark, establish, build,

maintain and improve chemicals management processes as part of an overall corporate management system. It provides a shared strategic guide for

companies in the outdoor and fashion industries — and beyond — to better manage chemicals they use to create products. (OIA)

• You can download the CMM Toolkit including supplier indicators, assessment material, “know-how” guidance and glossary at:

http://outdoorindustry.org/responsibility/chemicals/cmpilot.html


� Your facility has been assessed using the OIA CMM “Suppliers” indicators by an external professional organization, or internally by a competent person;

� You have completed the OIA CMM and an assessment score is generated.



SUB-QUESTION What was the score from your most recent completed assessment?

SUB-QUESTION Please upload your facility’s most recent completed assessment.


1) Month and year of the most recent OIA CMM assessment conducted;

2) Name of the external professional organization or internal staff who

conducted the assessment;

3) Score of the most recent completed assessment;


Example:

OIA CMM “Suppliers” indicators were assessed internally in July 2013 by Mary

Brown, EHS Manager.

The score of the completed assessment was 15.

[CMM Assessment Report]


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to upload the assessment document.

Click “choose file” and choose the electronic copy of the assessment document (in excel format).



��FAC-7.1.2 Does this facility systematically monitor applicable chemical use regulations on a regular basis to ensure

compliance and to identify new or changing compliance requirements? (10 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

REGULATIONS

• A variety of national laws or international initiatives such as agreements, strategies or conventions. These international initiatives define the policy of

further regulations to be implemented locally as well as exposure or emission limits. The regulations how retailers, brands and facilities should manage

chemicals used in manufacturing processes and in products;

REGULAR BASIS

• At least once annually, but more frequent monitoring (e.g. monthly or quarterly) is recommended, as regulations change or new ones may be introduced

quite often. (Higg)


� Your facility has a dedicated person (Management Representative, for example EHS Manager) to monitor all the chemical regulations that are applicable to

the facility AND the products that are produced, including local, town/city, county/prefecture/state, national and international regulations. That person

should be competent in handling the regulatory information and should receive training on chemical compliance. The monitoring records should be

maintained for periodic evaluation at least annually.



SUB-QUESTION What is the name of the person in charge of this work?


1) Provide the name and the position of the person in charge of chemicals

regulatory compliance;

2) Describe the responsibility of the person in charge in monitoring

compliance to chemical use regulations and compliance requirements;


Example:

Name: Praveen Parekh

Position: EHS Manager

Responsibility: Leads EHS team to conduct review of the latest chemical

regulations on annual basis, with reference to Registration, Evaluation,

Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Classification, Labelling

and Packaging (CLP) and various tools for screening followed in facility.

Continual update of Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs) based on the latest legal

and brands requirements.

[Annual Regulation Review – Chemical Section, p.5]



��FAC- 7.1.3 Does this facility have a business process to ensure compliance with all Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs) for

brands it does business with? (10 points)

� KEY DEFINITION: BUSINESS PROCESS

• A series of logically related activities or tasks (such as planning, production, or sales) performed together to produce a defined set of results. (OIA)

See Glossary � Restricted Substance List (RSL)


Your facility can provide documentation about the following aspect:

� Your existing business process or standard operating procedure (SOP) which ensures compliance with all RSLs;

� If applicable, corrective action(s) taken as a result of RSL non-compliance.

SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of your business process and any applicable supporting documents to ensure compliance?


1) Provide business process documents including but not limited to:

• Process flow and chemical impacts for target products, vendor

selections, purchase requirement process; environmental audit

reports; corrective action plans (chemical-related sections); in-

house chemicals management regulations.

2) Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer.

Example:




SUB-QUESTION If applicable, can you provide documentation of any corrective action(s) taken as a result of RSL non-compliance?


1) Root-cause analysis report conducted by auditor (external or Internal)

and the corrective actions taken. For example, corrective actions

decided to avoid the occurrence of non-compliance chemicals

identified out either by buyers or by third party lab on fabric.


Example:




� KEY DEFINITION:

CHEMICAL INVENTORY

• A list of all the chemicals in the facility used to make products, including the supplier name, the quantity and frequency of consumption. It could include

information on:

- Chemical ingredient information (chemical name, trade name, and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number of chemical ingredients in an article or chemical

mixture, including known impurities);

- Function of a chemical ingredient in an article or chemical mixture (e.g. colorant/dye, ink, special chemical attribution, catalyst, plasticizer, monomer,

finishes, processing/ancillary chemical, etc.);

- Process chemical information (chemical name, trade name, and CAS number of chemicals used to make a product);

- Chemical hazard data, human health and eco-toxicological characteristics of chemical ingredients and chemicals used in making that ingredient, as well as

their physical safety properties such as flammability;

- Potential for human or environmental exposure to chemical ingredients in an article or chemical mixture;

- RSL compliance (based on safety data sheet (SDS) / declaration );

- Status of RSL compliance based on the application.

See Glossary � Safety Data Sheet (SDS)


� A list of all the chemicals in the facility used to make products, including the supplier name, the quantity and frequency of consumption.

��FAC- 7.1.4 Does this facility have a documented inventory of chemicals used to make your products, and the respective

supplier for each chemical? (10 points)



SUB-QUESTION Can you provide this documentation upon request?


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer

Example:

Screenshot from the Higg 2.0 web tool.




��FAC-7.2.1 Does this facility have an action plan to improve chemicals management performance that is reviewed and

updated at least annually? (The plan should include specific, measurable, and time-bound goals and action

steps to improve performance.) (25 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT

• An action plan to improve chemicals management at a facility should have specific guidelines to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and improve scores

on indicators in the CMM. It could include information on:

- Results of the root-cause analysis;

- Measureable targets in improving chemicals management and reducing use of hazardous chemicals, with performance indicator (e.g. CMM “suppliers”

indicators);

- Actions to be taken and the resources needed;

- Timeline (start date and end date);

- Test reports or records showing the progress of targets (e.g. chemical substitution reports).


� Your facility has an action plan to improve chemicals management performance. OIA Chemicals Management Action Plan template can be downloaded at

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/downloads/CMFrameworkActionPlanTemplate.docx ;

� The action plan is reviewed and updated at least annually.

Additional guidance and information resources to support improvement can be found in the CMM “Know-How” guidance, available in the CMM toolkit upon

download.



SUB-QUESTION Can you provide this action plan upon request?


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer.

Example:




��FAC-7.2.2 Does this facility restrict chemicals used in manufacturing processes and/or residing in final product that goes

beyond a list of regulated chemicals and RSLs? (5 points)

� KEY DEFINITION:

BEYOND REGULATORY LISTS

• It means to consider substances not currently on regulatory lists but which may be on lists of concern from other entities such as non-governmental

organizations. (OIA)

• Manufacturers may identify and restrict substances of concern that are not currently regulated, or, which are used in manufacturing processes but may not

be included in a typical RSL. Substances of concern are specific substances which, for reason of increasing concern for suspected toxicity, incomplete and/or

insufficient toxicity information, pending regulation, other environmental harm and/or market shift, are prioritized for one or more of the following actions:

demand for sufficient relevant toxicological information, alternatives assessment, and/or target for replacement. (Higg)


� Your facility has kept a list of chemicals which is not legally restricted or declared restricted by brands but have prompt chances of being toxic or substance

of concern declared in some public domain;

� Your facility has banned the use of these chemicals in manufacturing processes.

Further information about the above chemicals is available online. For example SUBSPORT (Substitution Support Portal), GreenScreen List Translator, TOXNET,

PLUM (Public Library of Materials). See “Useful Resources” section for details.



SUB-QUESTION Can you provide the names of the restricted chemical and the substitution?


1) The names of the restricted chemical;

2) For each of the restricted chemical, state:

- the substitution of the restricted chemical with supporting lab test

reports;

- date of the substitution;

- CAS number for each restricted substance;

- substitution substance (where applicable).


Example:

Quinoline was identified as the restricted substance and it has been banned

for our manufacturing processes. Alternate manufacturing process has been

implemented whereby Quinoline can be phased out.

[Factory restricted substance list, p.5; Report on Chemical Use Review and

Management, p. 6-10]




��FAC-7.3.1 Can this facility demonstrate evidence of chemicals management performance improvement on an annual

basis through Chemicals Management Module assessment results and/ or other documentation? (30 points)


� Your facility has demonstrated improvement in at least one of the following areas according to the CMM framework and /or other documentation;

- Regulatory awareness and compliance;

- Restricted substances/substances of concern;

- Process and product chemicals knowledge;

- Chemical hazard assessment;

- Chemical safety and risk management;

- Safer alternatives assessment and preferred substances;

- Sustainable chemistry innovation and continuous improvement;

� The improvement is completed on an annual basis;

� The improvement has been documented (e.g. CMM assessment document) and the documents can be provided upon request.



SUB-QUESTION Please explain your achievement(s):

SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of this achievement upon request?


1) Briefly describe the improvement measures

- If the improvement is through CMM assessment, pls. state the

improved scoring and specific sections with improvement;

- If the improvement is brought about by measures other than CMM

assessment improvement, pls. elaborate the specific project

results, and the year, month or date that the measure was

implemented.


Example:

- The CMM assessment scoring was improved from 15 to 25 marks, mainly due

to improvement in the management of restricted substances such as

monitoring of RSL update and compliance, and conducting trainings on RSL

requirements.

- Factory has reduced the limit of HCHO for direct skin contact from <75ppm

to <50ppm. Based on external consultant test report, factory has replaced

chemicals with HCHO with low-HCHO chemicals since June 2013.

[CMM assessment form dated 3-Feb-2014]



Example:




��FAC-7.3.2 Does this facility collaborate with brands and chemical suppliers to prioritize and select chemicals for

alternatives assessment from substances of concern and/or restricted substances lists? (10 points)


� Your facility has completed a process of identifying and recording all the chemicals that are used in the production process. Within the list, those

chemicals which need to be phased out (e.g. PFCs, Br FR, COC, etc.) and/or the respective chemicals for substitutions have been indicated;

� Your facility has engaged with chemical suppliers, brands and test labs collaboratively to review the chemical list to confirm whether any alternatives

assessment is required to be conducted;

� Your facility has validated and committed continual improvement for the substitutions with chemical suppliers;

Examples of alternatives assessment framework and guidance on chemical substitution include BizNGO’s Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol and

SUBSPORT (Substitution Support Portal).

See Glossary � Alternatives assessment



SUB-QUESTION Please describe which chemicals currently in use have been prioritized for alternatives assessment and ultimate phase out:

SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of this achievement upon request?


1) List the chemicals selected and prioritized for alternatives

assessment, state:

- CAS number where applicable;

- Name of chemical ;

- Reason for selecting the chemicals;

- The substitution as identified in the alternatives assessment;

- The frameworks/guidance/standard that the alternatives

assessment is based upon;

- The collaboration partners, timeline and continual improvement

plan;


Example:

Working with AAA Apparel and ABC Chemicals, Chloroalkanes used in water

proofing materials on products were selected for an alternatives assessment

using BizNGO Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol and Bluesign®

Bluefinder. It was selected for the assessment based on the following

reasons:

- It is very persistent – the substance is under consideration for inclusion

in the Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants

- It has high bioaccumulation ability – the substance is under

consideration for inclusion in the Stockholm Convention of Persistent

Organic Pollutants

Potential substitutions identified in the assessment and the substitution will

be in place by May 2014: Antimon trioxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Acrylic

polymers

[AAA Apparel – BrightTop Textile Chemicals Alternative Assessment, p.18]


Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer.

Example:





��FAC-7.3.3 Has this facility reduced the use of chemicals by the substitution of biological enzymes in any of your

processes? (Not Scored)


� Your facility has engaged with chemical suppliers and brands to choose the highest priority chemicals to be phased out and the respective chemicals for

substitutions;

� Your facility has validated and committed continual improvement for the substitutions with chemical suppliers.

SUB-QUESTION What is the temperature used in the enzyme processes and how many rinses have been reduced from this substitution?


1) Briefly describe the substitution, state:

- Any environmental Improvement brought by the measure;

- Year, month or date that the measure was implemented;

- Temperature used in the enzyme processes;

- Number of rinses that have been reduced;

2) List the chemicals that were reduced or eliminated by the use of

biological enzymes, including CAS number where applicable.


Example:

Enzyme (CAS: 9012-54-8) was introduced to replace chemicals at the

pretreatment process in July 2012. The temperature used in the processes is

70 °C and the number of rinse required during the enzyme process was

reduced from 2 to 1 after the substitution.

[Fabric dyeing efficiency record 2013]




��FAC-7.3.4 Has this facility reduced the use of any chemicals by recovering and reusing them (for example, with caustic

soda)? (Not Scored)


� Your facility has reduced the use of chemicals by recovering or reusing them in your manufacturing process.

SUB-QUESTION What chemicals are you recovering from which processes and where are they being reused?


1) Briefly describe the improvement, state:

- The chemical(s) being recovered/reused;

- The CAS number of the chemical where applicable;

- The process where the chemical(s) is/are being recovered;

- The process where the chemical(s) is/are being reused;


Example:

Salt from the pretreatment process has been recovered. The recovered salt

is being reused in the dyeing process, mostly in the dyeing processes

involving dark colors (e.g. black).

[Chemicals management plan 2012, p.3]

HOW TO HIGG FAQ


FAQ The FAQ section here provides answers to questions frequently asked by facilities during their completion

of the Environmental Facility Module. The questions and answers below are supplementary to those

provided by the SAC on the website (http://www.apparelcoalition.org/index-faqs/).

OVERALL PROCESS

Q. I am not sure whether I should answer Yes or No to a question. What do I do?

When in doubt about whether or not you should be answering ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, it is typically best practice to

take a more conservative approach and answer ‘NO.’ However, since it is a self-assessment, you are to

use your best judgment in responding to the questions. We want you to be as truthful and accurate in

your responses, as the purpose of using the Higg Index is to better understand your level of performance

and to help you identify areas to improve. Go through the Section by Section Guide and look through the

definitions and requirements to rule out any possible misinterpretations.

Q. How often do I need to re-assess a site using the Higg Index?

When using The Higg Index 2.0, all organizations are faced with complexities associated with the

seasonality of their products and operations. It is up to each organization to determine how often the tool

is used, according to a self-defined “acceptable” variance / relativity / complexity.

However, it is recommended that organizations should use The Higg Index 2.0 consistently in order to

evaluate, track, and monitor improvement opportunities. (SAC)

Q. Who should be answering the self-assessment questionnaire on behalf of each site?

Ideally, a project-lead directly involved in planning or implementation of environmental management of

the site should be tasked with overseeing the completion of the self-assessment, engaging the

participation of:

• Staff with key subject matter knowledge, e.g. plant manager, plant engineer, environmental system

manager, boiler control officer, wastewater treatment officer, EHS officer, pollution control officers

etc.

• Staff who has access to or who has knowledge about relevant supporting documents and data

Q. If we have met the required conditions to claim yes to a question, but we cannot provide historical

records of such structures, should we still respond with ‘Yes’?

It is best practice to document all sustainability measures carried out. If your site does not have

documentary records directly fitting the question requirements, you must be able to demonstrate the

processes and activities carried out (e.g. through the job accountabilities or certain members of staff,

internal communications, etc.) that supports your claim.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Q. We have standard operation procedures (SOPs) and EMS training provided to staff, does it mean we

have an EMS?

An EMS must have the necessary elements of:

a. Environmental Policy

b. Planning: environmental risk assessment, setting objectives and targets

c. Implementation and operation: operational procedures; adequate training; documentation and its

control

d. Checking: monitoring and measurement, audit and inspections

e. Management Review

HOW TO HIGG FAQ


Your site can be considered to have an EMS if you can provide evidence to show that your environmental

management plan or procedures include all the necessary components. For more information, please

watch a video called “How to Create an Environmental Management Systems,” which is available on the

Help tab within the web tool.

Q. What are formal targets?

A target is a formal and measurable commitment to reduce sustainability impacts of your facility.

Environmental targets must be stated in a measurable and quantifiable manner. (ISO14001:2004)

A formal target must consist of:

• Start date

• baseline date (base year) and the relevant baseline performance (quantified),

• a target date (usually by a certain year) and the target performance level (quantified reduction/

improvement)

Formal targets can be absolute or normalized unless otherwise stated.

For more information, please watch a video called “Overview of Improvement Targets,” which is available

on the Help tab within the web tool.

Q. Our management states that “we target to meet relevant local and national regulatory requirements in

all environmental and social aspects,” does this count as a formal target?

“Meeting regulatory requirements” on its own does not constitute a formal performance target, unless

formulated in a way that is comprised of start and target date, baseline and target performance level, and

is relevant to encouraging the continual performance improvement of the relevant environmental or

social aspects.

ENERGY USE / GREENHOUSE GAS

Q. We track all sources of energy use on site. Does it mean that we have accounted for the greenhouse

gas emissions of the site?

Tracking all sources of energy use on site is a critical part of accounting for the site’s greenhouse gas

emissions, but not the only measure. While relevant conversion factors need to be applied, the site’s

energy use may only account partially to the site’s greenhouse gas emissions. Other sources of GHGs

include but not limited to fugitives, direct process emissions and methane emissions associated with

wastewater treatment. So if your site has not created a formal greenhouse gas inventory following a

recognized methodology, the site cannot be considered to have tracked its GHG emissions.

Q. When we installed new machinery, we set a project-based target that the new machine should run 5%

more efficiently than the original machines. Does this count as formal energy target?

Unless formulated in a way that is comprised of start and target date, baseline and target performance

level, and is relevant to encouraging the continual performance improvement of the relevant

environmental aspect of the site, project-based targets may not be considered as formal energy

performance targets.

WATER USE

Q. My water use is dependent upon production and is highly variable. How can I set a realistic target for

reducing water use?

You can reduce the influence of periodic or demand-related fluctuations in water use by setting reduction

targets that reflect average use over time and that reflect water use per unit (for example, per ton of

HOW TO HIGG FAQ


material, per piece, per $ in revenue). This means that setting a normalized target may be better suited

to your needs, as it allows for change in production relative to your target.

WASTEWATER/ EFFLUENTS

Q. We are measuring influent volume but don’t measure effluent volume. Shouldn’t these be the same?

Why do I need to measure effluent?

No, these volumes are not always the same. Measuring effluent and comparing the numbers to influent

will help you better manage water by identifying opportunities for improvement. There are several

reasons why effluent might be different from influent. First, depending on how water is used, there can

be natural loss due to evaporation. Second, there may be process water leakage that your drainage

system is not capturing. Finally, there could be leakages and/or unknown discharge points in your

drainage system. Monitoring both influent and effluent can help you identify these inefficiencies and

hopefully save you money.

HOW TO HIGG GLOSSARY


GLOSSARY The glossary of terms provided here is compiled from the SAC, GSCP and other recognized international

standards, where applicable and is intended to help you get a clear idea of the terms used by the

Environmental Facility Module questionnaire.

Please note that, where there may be duplications of the terms listed here and in the Section by Section

Guide, the definitions in the body of text of the Section by Section Guide prevail as they are the most

complete and explained in context of each question.

Terms Description of terms Source

Absolute

reductions

Reduction in actual utility consumption (e.g. energy, carbon,

water) or pollution generated (e.g. wastewater pollutants, waste,

and air emissions) regardless of facility size, production volumes,

production hours, raw material usage or other business metrics.

Higg Index

Biological

Oxygen Demand

(BOD)

Biological Oxygen Demand (or Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

(BOD) is an indicator of the level of organic matter in the water

and, hence, the rate at which oxygen in the water is used up as

the organic matter is consumed by organisms in the water.

Generally, the lower the BOD, the better the water/ wastewater

quality.

Higg Index &

GSCP

Certified/

Audited EMS

Certification of an environmental management system or program

ensures it conforms to an internationally accepted standard, such

as ISO 14001. (Note that the SAC does not officially endorse any

standard).

Certification of the EMS may be achieved through two paths: 1. A

qualified, independent third party organization audits and certifies

the environmental management system or program, or 2. -Self-

Certification/Declaration/Internal Audit: ONLY If allowed by the

specific international standard, a site may self-certify or self-

declare conformity.

Adapted from

Higg Index

Chemical

Oxygen Demand

(COD)

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is an indicator of the level of

organic matter and chemicals in the water and, hence, the rate at

which oxygen in the water is used up as the organic matter and

chemicals are consumed. Generally, the lower the COD the better

the water/ wastewater quality.

GSCP

Domestic water

Water consumed for non-industrial purposes within the facility,

such as drinking water, flush water.

Higg Index

EMS –

Environmental

Management

System

A management system is a set of interrelated elements used to

establish policy and objectives and to achieve those objectives.

An environmental management system must consist of:

a. Environmental Policy

b. Planning: environmental risk assessment, setting objectives and

targets

c. Implementation and operation: operational procedures;

GSCP, Higg

Index based

on

ISO14001:200

4



adequate training; documentation and its control

d. Checking: monitoring and measurement, audit and inspections

e. Management Review

Environmental

policy

The policy describes the site’s activities, products, and services

including a commitment to continual improvement and

prevention of pollution, as well as a commitment to comply with

legal and other requirements that relate to the significant

environmental aspects identified for the site. The policy should set

out the framework for setting and reviewing environmental

objectives and targets.

Higg Index

Formal

wastewater

quality target

A formal target here refers to a quantified performance

requirement of the site’s wastewater discharge quality. A formal

target must:

1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") of target and the

performance level (at least COD, BOD, TSS, temperature, and pH)

at baseline date;

2) include an end date of the target, meaning the intended

completion of the required reductions/ improvements; and

3) include an exact reduction quantity or extent, expressed in an

absolute number or a percentage.

4) be relevant to improving the site’s wastewater discharge

quality.

Formal targets in this instance may be absolute or normalized.

Absolute = total volume of wastewater discharged regardless of

variables (facility size, process volumes, production hours, raw

material usage, etc.)

Normalized = volume of wastewater discharged relative to some

relevant variable (e.g., volume of wastewater discharged per unit

of production)

Higg Index &

GSCP

Greenhouse Gas

Emissions

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse

gases. The primary human activity affecting the amount and rate

of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of

fossil fuels. The most common GHG, regulated under the Kyoto

Protocol and are usually accounted in GHG inventories, are carbon

dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur

hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons

(PFCs) and Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).

A site’s GHG emissions, sometimes called ‘carbon footprint,’ refer

to the amount of GHG emitted to the atmosphere as a result of

the site’s activities, whether from energy use, refrigerant use and

wastewater treatment or other. The scope of measuring and

tracking of a site’s GHG emissions is defined by different

international accounting standards like the ISO14064, GHG

Protocol – A Corporate and Accounting Standard (Revised Edition),

etc. Local GHG accounting requirements and standards may be

available.

Adapted from

US EPA and

GHG Protocol

Monitoring

framework

Types of monitoring and assurance processes that a company

implements to, for example, assess environmental performance.

This could comprise detailed monitoring regimes to evaluate

compliance with performance limits (e.g. emissions to air), a

GSCP



detailed audit process to assess compliance with, for example, the

Framework Requirements, or a self-assessment questionnaire to

assess improvement in performance. A detailed audit process

could range from internal self-assessment inspections to detailed

third party compliance audits

Normalized

data

Normalized data includes a comparison of totals or usage data

against a predefined variable (or set of variables), e.g. kWh of

electricity used per employee on-site, kg of hazardous waste per

unit of production etc. An organization can decide whether

absolute or normalized data are going to be the most appropriate

and representative data to collate/report. Within each of the

performance areas discussed in this document there are examples

of variables against which data can be normalized

GSCP Index

Normalized

energy

reductions

‘Normalized’ = energy used relative to some relevant variable

(e.g., energy used per unit of production), as opposed to absolute

energy use regardless of variables (e.g., facility size, process

volumes, production hours, raw material usage, etc.)

Changes to the season/ambient temperature, processes, process

volumes, duration of production runs, changes in personnel

numbers etc. can all influence energy consumed. As such,

examples of variables against which to normalize energy

use/reduction may be: units/volume of production, headcount,

production hours, unit use of a raw material etc.

Higg Index &

GSCP

Normalized

reductions

Reduction in actual utility consumption (e.g. energy, carbon,

water)/pollution generated (e.g. wastewater pollutants, waste, air

emissions) that has been normalized to a business metric (e.g.

units or mass of production, unit revenue, unit gross sales, unit

turnover, full-time employee equivalent, square foot) when

compared to normalized utility/pollution generated in a base year.

To calculate a normalized value, measure utility/pollution

generated in a given time period and divide by the chosen

business metric. For example, a normalized waste generation can

be calculated as follows: 10,000 kg waste ÷ 5,000 garments = 2kg

waste/garment.

Higg Index

Overarching

environmental

strategy (of

Environmental

management

system)

The Environmental Strategy for the site includes all environmental

aspects and impacts over which the organization can exert (at

least some) control or influence, both up and down the supply

chain. The Environmental Strategy is focused on environmental

performance improvement, rather than solely managing existing

aspects and impacts and requires the assessment of alternative

processes, products and services, to reduce the site’s overall

environmental impact.

Higg Index &

GSCP

Primary water

sources

Water sources include:

• Drinking water supplied directly by the municipal sources;

• Non-drinking water supplied directly by the municipal sources;

• Groundwater;

• Surface water (river, stream, lake, pond, etc.);

Higg Index



• Diverted surface water (river, stream, etc.);

• Rooftop capture;

• Collected rainwater;

• Recycled “grey water”

And possibly others.

Your site’s primary water sources here refer to sources which

supply the most significant amount of your site’s water use.

In this context, water from all uses should be considered (e.g.,

domestic/dormitories and industrial).

Process water Water consumed for industrial purposes, such as laundry, finishing

or feed-in water for boiler.

Higg Index

Recycled /

Reclaimed

water

The term recycled water is generally used synonymously with

reclaimed water. Recycled/reclaimed water came from treated

wastewater which is reused for beneficial purposes such as

industrial processes , toilet flushing, etc.

USEPA

Renewable

energy

This relates to energy generated by a renewable source (i.e.

source which is not depleted or used up as it is naturally

replenished. Renewable sources can either be managed so that

they last forever, or so that their supply is not significantly

impacted.

Unlike fossil fuels, most renewable energy sources do not release

carbon dioxide and other air pollutants as by-products into the

atmosphere. As the amount of fossil fuel resources on Earth

decreases, it is becoming increasingly important to find and utilize

renewable energy sources. Examples include: solar, biofuels, wind,

hydro-electric, geothermal, tidal and wave.

GSCP

Stakeholders

(internal and

external)

Stakeholders are defined broadly as those groups or individuals:

(a) that can reasonably be expected to be significantly affected by

the organization’s activities, products, and/or services; or (b)

whose actions can reasonably be expected to affect the ability of

the organization to successfully implement its strategies and

achieve its objectives.

Internal stakeholders can include (but not necessarily be limited

to): site workers (employees and contractors,) management, the

Board, non-executive directors.

External stakeholders can include (but not necessarily be limited

to): shareholders, trade unions, other financial backers (private

equity house, venture capitalist etc.), regulators, customers,

suppliers, non-governmental organizations, the local community

etc.

GRI G3 2001

Higg Index

Suppliers or

sub-contractors

Production suppliers and sub-contractors providing services or

materials upstream in the supply chain that are utilized in the

facility. This does not include contractors such as recyclers,

cleaners, etc. in your facility.

Higg Index

Environmental A detailed performance requirement (quantified where possible

and applicable to all or parts of the organization), that arises from

GSCP



target the setting of environmental objectives and which needs to be set

and met in order to achieve those objectives.

“A specific task in the achievement of an environmental objective.

Environmental targets must be stated in a measurable and

quantifiable manner.” ISO14001:2004

Targets can be based on absolute data or normalized data, unless

otherwise stated.

Wastewater

Wastewater may be generated from:

• process (or “trade”) effluents arising from various stages of

an industrial, agricultural, or commercial process;

• cooling wastewater or other non-contact wastewater (e.g.,

flushing chillies);

• blow-down (e.g., from compressors, boilers);

• stormwater run-off (sometimes referred to as surface

water run-off) from roofs, hardstanding areas, yards, car

parks, vegetated areas, etc.);

• firewater;

• sanitary/ domestic wastewater (e.g., from toilets, sinks etc.)

This would include all manufacturing and/or commercial activities

within the facility site’s footprint, such as industrial processing,

lubrication, cooling, maintenance, cleaning, and domestic use, as

well as wastewater/effluent from dormitories (e.g., bathrooms,

showers, kitchens.)

Higg Index

Wastewater

quality

Wastewater quality may be measured using many factors, such as

suspended solids, reduced biological oxygen demand (BOD) or

chemical oxygen demand (COD), metals content, oil/grease

content, temperature, pH, etc.

Wastewater quality can be improved through reducing

strength/concentration of contamination at the source of

generation and should be considered top priority, before targeting

to reduce wastewater volume.

Wastewater treatment volume and quality are tightly linked. It is

important to not focus solely on one without understanding how

it affects the others. For instance, if you decrease your

wastewater discharge volume, you may inadvertently create

wastewater quality that is untreatable (on-site or off-site) and

have a net-negative impact. Wastewater generation should be

compared between fixed periods so that unusual patterns in

generation can be identified.

Higg Index

Wastewater/

Effluent

treatment

The treatment here refers to processes through which the quality

of the wastewater discharged on or from the site must meet

applicable regulatory requirements or WQGs and be at a level that

does not adversely affect the environment or the receiving

infrastructure (drains, treatment plant, vehicle, etc.) as dictated by

regulations or receiving facility limits.

Primary treatment methods can include clarification where solids

settle, oil and grease float.

Higg Index



Secondary treatment methods can include degradation of organic

content with aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment.

Tertiary treatment can be additional methods to further improve

water quality (may include disinfection or nutrient removal, for

example.)

Air emission

inventory

An inventory of emissions to air is a detailed list of the emissions

and their sources, it should include the following information for

each emission source:

- the pollutants known or likely to be present;

- the quantity emitted (if known or estimated);

- the location of, for example, the stack, vent etc.;

- any control devices (e.g. abatement equipment) installed;

- frequency of monitoring; and

- whether the particular emission is legally regulated.

Higg Index

Waste

inventory

A waste inventory records information of all waste stream

generated on-site, it could include information on:

- nature of the waste (hazardous/non-hazardous);

- its source (e.g. process, area);

- the physical form of the waste (solid, liquid etc.);

- formal classification code (if applicable);

- specific handling/ storage arrangements;

- the quantity of waste disposed of/treated;

- the disposal/treatment method (biological, chemical,

physical),

- including any on-site treatment;

- details of waste contractors used; and

- disposal/treatment route (recycled, landfill, incineration)

Higg Index &

GSCP

Alternative

assessment

It is a process for identifying alternatives (chemical or non-

chemical) to a chemical of concern, screening out equally or more

hazardous alternatives, and selecting an alternative that is

technically and economically viable and does not have the

potential for causing significant environmental or human health

impacts.

Examples of alternative assessment tools can be found in “Useful

Resources”.

OIA -

Chemicals

Management

Framework

Glossary

Restricted

Substance List

(RSL)

A list, compiled by a business, trade group or other organization,

of chemicals (aka chemical substances) to be actively managed

and informed on. An RSL may contain chemicals for controlled

use, targeted for elimination/substitution, and those that may be

totally banned or may be regulated. (e.g., American Apparel and

Footwear Association (AAFA) RSL)

OIA -

Chemicals

Management

Framework

Glossary

Safety data SDS (also called material safety data sheet (MSDS) or production

safety data sheet (PSDS)) is an important component of product

Higg Index



sheet (SDS) stewardship and occupational safety and health. It is intended to

provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for

handling or working with a substance in a safe manner, and

should include information such as physical data (melting point,

boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid,

reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-

handling procedures.

HOW TO HIGG UPLOADING FILES ON HIGG WEB TOOL


UPLOADING DOCUMENTS IN THE HIGG 2.0 WEB TOOL

Three questions under the Environmental Facility Module (FAC 1.3.2, 5.1.2, 7.1.1) require facilities to

upload supporting documents in the web tool. In addition, facilities can opt to upload a complete

Validation form1 in the web tool to enable their connections to view the validation status of the facilities’

self-assessment. Please note that you can only upload 1 file per answer. If you have more than one file,

you can consolidate the files in a compressed file.

Uploading documents and validation form in The Higg 2.0 web tool is easy. Follow the steps below:

Uploading documents for self-assessment questions

Select “Choose File” icon when you are requested to upload a document. After selecting the relevant

document, the document name will be shown next to the “Choose File” icon. Please save your answer by

selecting “Save Page” at the bottom of the page.

1 Currently, The Higg Index 2.0 is a self-assessment tool that does not require verified data, unless organizations

choose to conduct additional verification on their own. “Higg Index 2.0 - Environment Facilities Module Validation”

form is available for download in the web tool with a goal to assist facilities to provide assurance of accurate answers

and scores while balancing quantity of documents requested from facilities and intensity of phone interviews.

HOW TO HIGG UPLOADING FILES ON HIGG WEB TOOL


Uploading Validation form

Please select the status next to “Validation Status” icon in the panel of the “Module Completion” page. A

“Module Status” dialogue displays to indicate your facility’s validation status. Download Validation

Template for completion and then upload the complete form. Please note the validation form upload

activates only when you have posted your self-assessment in the web tool system.

HOW TO HIGG SELF-HELP RESOURCES


SELF-HELP RESOURCES

Here is a list of training materials which enables facilities to learn more about the Higg Index, improve

capabilities in answering the Higg questions and enhance understanding of environmental management

systems (e.g. target setting) in general. The training materials are available at the “Help” section of The

Higg 2.0 web tool at https://higg.summitenergy.com/Help/Help.aspx.

1. Higg Index – Introduction

Introduction to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) & Higg Index

Provides an introduction of the Sustainable

Apparel Coalition and an overview of the

objectives of Higg Index. Available in

English, Chinese (Tradition and Simplified),

Vietnamese and Sanskrit.

Changes from the Higg Index 1.0 to 2.0

Provides an overview of the major changes

between Higg versions 1.0 and 2.0, with a

focus on the new web tool.

Overview of the Environmental Facility Module

Provides an overview of the Environmental

Facility Module, and discuss topics such as

scoring methodology.

2. Environmental management

Overview of Improvement Targets

Training on how to set up formal

environmental targets on various

environmental aspects in Higg Index (e.g.

energy, water).

HOW TO HIGG SELF-HELP RESOURCES


Overview of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Provides an introduction on greenhouse gas

and the basic principles of greenhouse gas

accounting.

How to Create an Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

Provide guidance on how to set up a proper

EMS for a facility.

Establish a Proactive Chemicals Management (CM) Strategy with the CM Framework

Provide an overview of the Chemical

Management Modules, which is now part of

The Higg Index Section 7 – Chemicals

Management.

Link: http://www.outdoorindustry.org/education/ou.php?action=detail&event_id=440&category_id

HOW TO HIGG USEFUL RESOURCES


USEFUL RESOURCES

By and about the SAC Higg Index:

Overview of the Higg Index

http://www.apparelcoalition.org/higgoverview/

FAQs about the Higg Index

http://www.apparelcoalition.org/index-faqs/

SAC’s training webinars and materials

http://www.apparelcoalition.org/training/

GSCP Environmental Implementation Guidelines

http://www.gscpnet.com/working-plan/environmental-module.html

About Environmental Management Systems:

ISO14000 - Environmental management

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso14000.htm

Hong Kong EPD’s Simple Guide to Set up an EMS

http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/how_help/tools_ems/ems.html

The Environmental Technology Best Practice Program Guide “HOW TO SET UP ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY”

http://www.c2p2online.com/documents/EMS-textiles.pdf

A Sample Internal EMS Audit report by the US EPA against ISO-14001 and EPA’s audit protocols

http://www.epa.gov/region07/ems/pdf/ems_audit_report.pdf

US EPA’s Guide to EMS

http://www.epa.gov/ems/

About Energy Management:

US NRDC’s 10 Best Practices for Textile Mills to Save Money and Reduce Pollution (also relevant for

reducing water use)

http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/rsifullguide.pdf

• Best Practices Focus on Bangladesh:

http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/cbd-textile-mills-best-practices-bangladesh.pdf

• Standout Practices in High-performing Bangladesh Mills:

http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/cbd-textile-mills-standout-practices-

bangladesh.pdf

US EnergyStar’s Energy Efficiency Guidebook for the Textile Industry

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/industry/downloads/EE_Guidebook_for_Textile_industry.pdf

(Opportunities from Chapter 5 onwards – p.13)



Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)’s Energy Management Handbook

http://www.bsr.org/reports/bsr-energy-management-handbook.pdf

China Energy Management Policies (National and Regional)

http://www.bsr.org/en/our-projects/energy-management-china/policies

BSR’s compilation of general technical guidance (in Chinese)

http://www.bsr.org/en/our-projects/energy-management-china/references

The ISO50001 Energy Management Standard

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso50001.htm

About Energy Target Setting:

You may refer to ISO50001 documentations, but also -

A Practitioner Guide to Implementing ISO50001

http://home.comcast.net/~aeeilliana/Presentations/ISO50001PG.pdf

About Greenhouse Gas Accounting:

International Organization for Standardization (2006): ISO 14064 – part 1: Specification with guidance at

the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=38381

Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard for Accounting and Reporting (multiple languages

versions available)

http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Greenhouse Gas Protocol Calculation Tools (Cross Sector Tools, unless textiles and apparels sectors tool

become available) and Guidance

http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s 2012 GHG Conversion Factors for

Company Reporting (xlsx tool)

http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/2012/05/30/pb13773-2012-ghg-conversion/

2012 Baseline Emission Factors for Regional Power Grids in China

http://cdm.ccchina.gov.cn/WebSite/CDM/UpFile/File2975.pdf



About Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target Setting:

Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard Chapter 11: Setting a GHG Target (p.74-85)

http://www.ghgprotocol.org/files/ghgp/public/ghg-protocol-revised.pdf

About Water and Wastewater Management:

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)’s analysis on Water Management in China’s Apparel and Textile

Factories

http://www.bsr.org/reports/ChinaWater_IssueBrief_042908.pdf

BSR’s Sustainable Water Group (SWG) – Water Quality Guidelines (WQGs)

http://www.bsr.org/reports/awqwg/BSR_AWQWG_Guidelines-Testing-Standards.pdf

European Commission. Reference Document on Best Available Techniques for the Textile Industry

(BREF), 2003.

http://eippcb.jrc.es/reference/BREF/txt_bref_0703.pdf

USEPA. EPA-600/4-79-020. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, 1983

http://yosemite.epa.gov/water/owrccatalog.nsf/1ffc8769fdecb48085256ad3006f39fa/f995d73aff8660008

5256b0600724015!OpenDocument

Water quality monitoring: a practical guide to the design and implementation of freshwater quality

studies and monitoring programs

Bartram, J. and Ballance, R., ed. Published on behalf of UNEP and WHO. London, E & FN Spon, 1996.

Available at

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resources/wqmonitor/en/index.html

World Bank Group. Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Textile Manufacturing

http://www1.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/2a66470048865981b96efb6a6515bb18/Final%2B-

%2BTextiles%2BManufacturing.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&id=1323162617789

World Health Organization. Water Quality Assessments - A Guide to Use of Biota, Sediments and Water

in Environmental Monitoring, 2nd

edition, 1996

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resourcesquality/wqabegin.pdf

About Air Emissions Management:

Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations Environmental Programme. Information on Ozone Depleting

Substances

http://ozone.unep.org/new_site/en/montreal_protocol.php

USEPA. Air Pollution Monitoring

http://www.epa.gov/airquality/montring.html#hazardous

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the United Kingdom. Process Guidance Note

6/08(11). Statutory guidance for textile and fabric finishing and coating

http://www.defra.gov.uk/industrial-emissions/files/6_08-Final-June-2013.pdf



About Waste Management:

USEPA. Waste Identification Process - 40 CFR 262.11.

http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/wastetypes/wasteid/index.htm

USEPA. Definition of Solid Waste Tool v2.

http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/tool.htm

Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP). Environmental Implementation Guidelines – example of

waste inventory, P.36

http://www.gscpnet.com/working-plan/environmental-module/116.html

About Chemicals Management:

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Chemicals Management Module (CMM)

Chemicals Management Module Toolkit (includes introductory document, assessment form for Chemicals

Management Module, glossary, list of indicators, and “know-how” guidance)

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/responsibility/chemicals/

Chemicals Management Module Action Plan Template

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/downloads/CMFrameworkActionPlanTemplate.docx

Chemicals Management Module Introductory Webinar

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/education/ou.php?action=detail&event_id=440&category_id=

Toxic substance of concern

Substitution Support Portal – SUBSPORT

http://www.subsport.eu/case-stories-database

GreenScreen List Translator

http://www.greenscreenchemicals.org/method/greenscreen-list-translator

TOXNET - Databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/

PLUM (Public Library of Materials)

http://bcgc.berkeley.edu/chemical-information-systems

Alternatives Assessment

The Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) – Alternatives Assessment Guidance Document

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/chemalternatives/altAssessment.html

BizNGO’s Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol

http://www.bizngo.org/alternatives-assessment/chemical-alternatives-assessment-protocol

Lowell Center Alternatives Assessment Framework

http://www.chemicalspolicy.org/alternativesassessment.lowellcenter.php



Other relevant organizations and news related to chemicals and RSL management

American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Restricted Substances List

https://www.wewear.org/industry-resources/restricted-substances-list/

Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group (AFIRM) (provides resources, guidance and

toolkits related to RSL implementation across the footwear and apparel supply chain)

http://www.afirm-group.com/

Chemical Watch – Global Risk and Regulation News

http://chemicalwatch.com/

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) (provides guidance documents related to implementation of REACH,

CLP and the biocides legislation)

http://guidance.echa.europa.eu/guidance_en.htm

Roadmap to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC)

http://www.roadmaptozero.com/

You can also refer to different apparel and footwear brands’ website for specific RSLs.



ABBREVIATION LIST

AAFA American Apparel and Footwear Association

BOD Biological oxygen demand

Btu British thermal unit

CAR Corrective action request

CAS Chemical Abstracts Service

CLP Classification, Labelling and Packaging

CMM Chemicals Management Module

CO Carbon monoxide

CO2 Carbon dioxide

CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent

COD Chemical oxygen demand

COD Chemical oxygen demand

EHS Environmental, health & safety

EMS Environmental management system

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

GHG Greenhouse gas

GRI Global Reporting Initiative

GSCP Global Social Compliance Program

ICRA International Registration of Certified Auditors

IEMA Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment

ISO International Organization for Standardization

MJ Mega joule

MSDS Material safety data sheet

NOx Nitrogen oxides

NRDC National Resources Defense Council

ODSs Ozone Depleting Substances

OIA Outdoor Industry Association

PCO Pollution control officer

PLUM Public Library of Materials

PM Particulate matter

PSDS Production safety data sheet

REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals

RSL Restricted substance list

SAC Sustainable Apparel Coalition

SAH Standard allowable hour

SDS Safety data sheet

SO2 Sulfur oxides

SOP Standard operating procedure

SUBSPORT Substitution Support Portal

thm British therm

TSP Total suspended particulate

TSS Total suspended solid

VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds

ZDHC Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals