SAC highlights that Higg FEM 4.0, which is a part of the Higg Index suite of tools, apart from offering improved and more streamlined usability will deliver better data quality as well as cover a broader range of critical issues.
Higg FEM 4.0 features a new anomaly detector designed to flag inconsistencies, resulting in more accurate reporting, and enabling a more accurate environmental assessment of the industry.
The tool also offers a deeper look at key environmental issues such as groundwater and soil contamination to help the industry make improvements at a global scale on critical issues.
The new tool aligns with key global standards – including the GHG Protocol, the SBTi, and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero – to drive emissions reductions and reduce duplicative reporting.
Additionally, SAC points out that Higg FEM 4.0 includes targeted questions that are more relevant to a facility’s processes, weeding out questions that are irrelevant.
Jeremy Lardeau, VP of the SAC Higg Index says: "Higg FEM 4.0 will bring impactful and necessary changes – from improved data quality to alignment with relevant industry standards, the updated tool offers a wide range of benefits to ultimately reshape how sustainable decisions are made along the supply chain."
SAC further adds that Higg FEM 4.0 was built on member and stakeholder feedback collected over the past two years and reflects inputs of over 140 representatives across 12 Members Expert Teams (METs). This includes 62 representing manufacturers, 57 representing brands/retailers, 10 service providers, and five representing affiliate members.
Facilities were also able to provide feedback on Higg FEM 4.0 within the platform through a large-scale pilot program.
SAC explains that the Higg FEM tool informs manufacturers, brands, and retailers about the environmental performance of their individual facilities, empowering them to scale sustainability improvements.
SAC gave access to users early via its website to provide transparency and help them to prepare for the new version.
