Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) Verification Service

Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) is a globally recognized standard designed to measure and evaluate a facility's environmental performance. Developed by the Cascale (formerly known as Sustainable Apparel Coalition, or SAC), a non-profit alliance of brands, retailers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders, the Higg FEM offers a standardized framework for assessing the environmental performance of the apparel, footwear, and textile industry in seven areas:

Environmental Management System
Emission to Air (if applicable)
Water Use
Wastewater
Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Waste Management
Chemical Management

Key Benefits of Conducing a Higg FEM Verification

By undergoing a Higg FEM Verification, you gain a multitude of advantages:

Enhanced Brand Reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility and build trust with sustainability-conscious consumers.
Supply Chain Transparency: Gain valuable insights into the environmental footprint of your suppliers, fostering collaboration for collective sustainability efforts.
Improved Resource Management: Identify areas for optimizing resource consumption, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental impact.
Compliance with Industry Standards: Ensure adherence to leading sustainability benchmarks, positioning yourself as a responsible leader within your industry.

Who Can Benefit from a Higg FEM Verification?

The Higg FEM is specifically designed for manufacturing facilities within the apparel, footwear, and textile industry. Its application extends to:

Textile Manufacturers: Facilities involved in the production of textiles, including spinning, weaving, knitting, and dyeing, can use Higg FEM to measure and assess their environmental performance.
Apparel Manufacturers: Clothing production facilities, from cut-and-sew operations to large-scale garment manufacturing factories, can apply Higg FEM to standardize their environmental impact measurement.
Footwear Manufacturers: Higg FEM is applicable to factories engaged in footwear production, providing a uniform approach to assessing their environmental sustainability performance.
Other Related Facilities: The application of Higg FEM is not limited to manufacturers alone. Facilities involved in other stages of the supply chain, such as processing, finishing, and packaging units, can also benefit from using the Higg FEM.

Higg FEM Version 4.0: Staying Ahead of the Curve

A new version of the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) has been published by Cascale. This Higg FEM Version 4.0 became effective in November 2023, and all facilities are required to report their 2023 performance under this new version.

Key updates of Higg FEM 4.0 include:

Enhanced Data Accuracy: A new anomaly detector designed to flag inconsistencies which leads to more accurate reporting.
Platform Upgrades: Higg FEM 4.0 now offers optimized data exports and an expanded version of the training library.
Industry Standards Alignment: Aligns with GHG Protocol, Science-Based Targets, and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero to reduce GHG emission and duplicative reporting.
Expanded Environmental Scope: Covers new areas like groundwater contamination to reflect current challenges.
Improved Relevance: Tailored questions based on facility type for a streamlined assessment.
Focused Verification (2024): Verification is now more focused on core practices and key metrics of GHG emissions and water use.

Why Bureau Veritas?

Bureau Veritas is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. We offer an unparalleled proven track record in social and environmental compliance, with a team of highly qualified and experienced auditors who bring the following advantages to the table:

Dedicated Program Manager: Throughout the environmental audit process, you'll be supported by a dedicated program manager who serves as your single point of contact for streamlined communication.
Experience in Implementing These Programs: Our auditors have a proven track record of successfully helping organizations conduct social and environmental audits.
ISO 14001 Certification: Bureau Veritas is a leading accredited certification body for ISO 14001, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems.
Industry-Specific Knowledge: Our auditors possess a deep understanding of the environmental challenges specific to your sector, ensuring a relevant and insightful audit experience.
Global Reach and Local Expertise: Our international network covers 1,400 locations across 140 countries, with a global presence, we can efficiently conduct audits at your facilities worldwide while maintaining an understanding of regional nuances.
Approved HIGG FEM trainer body: Bureau Veritas is one of the approved trainer bodies by Cascale, we can provide more in-depth customized training in local languages online and in person.
Approved Cascale FEM Verifier Body (VB): Our verifiers have undergone standardized training to verify the highest quality and service. With our expertise in environmental areas, we can provide you with a program of proven procedures that will save you time and money.

Contact Bureau Veritas today

to learn more about our environmental audit services and discuss how we can help your organization achieve its sustainability objectives.

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

RBA Audit

amfori BEPI Audit

Get in touchwith us

First name

Last name

Email

Phone

Company

Country / Territory

How can we help you?

Would you like to receive marketing communication from Bureau Veritas?

Yes

No

INFORMATION NOTICE TO DATA SUBJECTS
Your personal data are collected by Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Division (“BVCPS”), through its entity Bureau Veritas Hong Kong Limited (having its registered office at 1/F, Pacific Trade Centre, 2 Kai Hing Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong), as well as the BVCPS affiliate(s) with which you had, have or will have a business relationship or that otherwise decide(s) which of your personal data is collected and how it is used.  A list of BVCPS affiliates is available at: BVCPS Locations (https://www.cps.bureauveritas.com/sites/g/files/zypfnx236/files/media/document/BVCPS%20Locations_20210611_for%20web.pdf)
Your personal data are subject to computer processing in order to respond to your requests and to provide you with additional information about BVCPS services, events or topics that may be of interest to you on the basis of your consent to the processing of your personal data for that purpose (by checking the box below).
Your personal data are intended for use by the relevant business departments of BVCPS and/or their service providers depending on the nature of your requests, as well as by BVCPS IT department.    Your personal data will be retained until the earlier of (a) one year after the last communication, or (b) your request to delete the personal data. 
Your personal data may be transferred outside the European Union, on the basis of your explicit consent, as the data subject, to the proposed transfer. By checking the box below, you are providing your explicit consent to the proposed transfer, with your acknowledgement of the possible risks of such transfer due to the absence of an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of the General Data Protection Regulation of 27 April 2016 or of appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 of the General Data Protection Regulation of 27 April 2016.
In accordance with the French Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978 as amended and the General Data Protection Regulation of 27 April 2016, you may have the right to access, rectify and erase any personal data concerning you, as well as the right to limit the processing, the right to oppose to the processing or the right to portability of your personal data. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by connecting to the site or application (https://personaldataprotection.bureauveritas.com). and unchecking the box dedicated to the collection of your consent. You also have the right to set out general and specific guidelines that define how you intend these rights to be exercised after your death. You can exercise your rights by e-mail at the following address: https://personaldataprotection.bureauveritas.com. Finally, you have a right to lodge a complaint to the Commission Nationale Informatique et Libertés (CNIL) or the relevant authorities in your country.
Fields marked with an asterisk must be filled in. Otherwise, BVCPS would not be able to respond to your requests and/or provide you with additional information.