What are the upgrades for Higg FEM 4.0? How to prepare for this change?

The Higg FEM tool of the Sustainable Clothing Alliance is undergoing a transformative upgrade, and this improved version known as Higg FEM 4.0 will provide a more comprehensive and impactful assessment of the environmental performance of clothing and footwear facilities. But what changes have happened and how can we prepare for this exciting evolution?

The main upgrades of Higg FEM 4.0

Consistent with the global framework

Higg FEM 4.0 data better supports companies in reporting to Science Based Goals Initiative (SBTi), ZDHC Zero Emission Roadmap, and Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Expand scope

The new version has expanded its scope to include other environmental aspects such as chemical management, land use, and biodiversity impacts. This holistic approach can provide a deeper understanding of the environmental footprint of the facility. By expanding the scope of the main data collected, your company will be better able to meet the urgency of a large number of pending ESG regulations, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) that came into effect in January 2024.

Improved scoring methods

Higg FEM 4.0 has introduced a revised scoring system to better reflect industry best practices and constantly changing environmental priorities. This ensures that high scores truly represent outstanding sustainable development efforts. The scoring rules can be found in the Higg FEM scoring system for detailed explanation

Simplified interface

The user experience has been modified through a simplified and intuitive interface. Thismakes the evaluation process of busy facilities smoother and more efficient.

Data quality is the key

Data accuracy is crucial for reliable evaluation. Higg FEM 4.0 emphasizes improving data collection and validation to ensure the completeness and credibility of report information. The facility will report its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions more comprehensively in Higg FEM 4.0, and accessing this data will also make it easier to calculate your company's Scope 3 emissions, reducing duplicate assessments while collecting data.

How to prepare for Higg FEM 4.0

Keep abreast of the latest developments: be familiar with the overall changes outlined in the official Higg FEM 4.0 resources, follow our official account, and grasp the latest information.

Conduct gap analysis: Evaluate your current practices based on new requirements to identify areas for improvement.

Investment data infrastructure: Ensure the establishment of powerful systems for accurate data collection and reporting.

Prioritize sustainable development plans: Implement targeted strategies to address key environmental impacts identified in the new rating system. For more high scoring actions, please refer to: The new generation of environmental assessment Higg FEM 4.0 is officially launched. How can factories prepare for this sustainable development practice?