What is the HIGG Certified Factory Environment Module (HIGG FEM)?

HIGG Certified Factory Environment Module (HIGG FEM) is a sustainability assessment tool that standardizes how factories measure and evaluate their environmental performance each year.

The HIGG FEM is designed to:

1. Measure and quantify the sustainability impact of the plant

2. Reduce redundancy in measuring and reporting sustainability performance

3. Drive business value by reducing risk and uncovering efficiency

4. Create a common meaning and language to communicate sustainable development to stakeholders

How long does it take to complete the HIGG FEM certification?

The time required to complete the HIGG FEM depends on how much data and information you have collected before starting the module. It usually takes 2-4 weeks to complete the entire module.

What should I know before starting?

The factory should be honest and clear when completing the assessment. HIGG FEM is not a conformity and non conformity assessment, but a tool to identify and identify opportunities for improvement.

If you have questions about whether your answer is "yes", it is recommended to take a more conservative approach and answer "partial" or "no or unknown" when applicable. When you select "Yes" to answer the question, you should provide as much support information as possible in the sub question and file upload.

Each part of HIGG FEM is composed of a three-level structure (1,2,3 levels), which represents the environmental practices with gradually increasing levels.

Level 1 tracking and awareness: Level 1 performance indicates that the factory is fully tracking the sustainable development performance and has a good understanding of the factory's environmental impact

Level 2 benchmark and performance improvement: Level 2 performance indicates that the factory is establishing a baseline, setting goals, formulating an action plan, and starting to reduce its impact on the environment

Level 3 leadership practices: Level 3 achievements show that the factory is demonstrative in sustainable development leadership in terms of continuous emission reduction and/or demonstration of real industry best practices (such as the use of renewable energy and/or closed cycle water recycling).

In the new HIGG FEM, the factory must have the first level specification before it can enter the second or third level. Unless your factory implements the practice of Level 1 questions, you will not be able to view or answer Level 2 or Level 3 questions. This ensures that the basic practices have been refined before evaluating more advanced time.