The Higg Index is a suite of tools developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) to measure the global impact of the textile, apparel and footwear industry. Launched in 2011 under the leadership of Walmart and Patagonia, the initiative has today become a standard used by industry giants such as H&M, Nike, Adidas and Inditex in their supplier assessments. The most widely used of the Higg modules, the Higg FEM (Facility Environmental Module), measures a facility's annual environmental performance across seven impact areas.
Structure of the Higg Modules
| Module | Scope | Who Completes It? |
|---|---|---|
| Higg FEM | Environmental performance of the facility | Manufacturing facility |
| Higg FSLM | Social and labor performance of the facility (SLCP-aligned) | Manufacturing facility |
| Higg BRM | Sustainability management of the brand | Brand / retailer |
| Higg MSI | Life cycle impact of the material | Design / procurement team |
| Higg PM | Product carbon footprint | Brand + supplier |
The 7 Impact Areas of FEM
The Higg FEM measures a facility's annual environmental performance across seven categories. For each category, Level 1 (basic compliance), Level 2 (proactive management) and Level 3 (industry leadership) tiers are defined.
- Environmental Management System (EMS): Overall maturity level of sustainability management.
- Energy and Greenhouse Gases: Energy use, source diversity, GHG inventory.
- Water Use: Water consumption, source management, water risk analysis.
- Wastewater: Wastewater generation, treatment performance, discharge quality.
- Emissions (Air Quality): Stack gas emissions, VOC and other pollutants.
- Waste Management: Hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation, recycling rates, application of the waste hierarchy.
- Chemical Management: Inventory of chemicals used, ZDHC MRSL compliance, research into alternative chemicals.
Verification Process
The Higg FEM can be self-completed and used as is, or a verified score can be obtained through an independent verifier. The vast majority of brands expect a verified FEM score from their suppliers.
- Self-assessment: The facility enters its own data into the Higg platform.
- Document compilation: Supporting evidence (invoices, measurement reports, licenses) is attached for each response.
- Verifier assignment: An independent body authorized by Higg is selected.
- On-site audit: The verifier visits the facility, and documents and practices are reviewed on site.
- Verified score: The facility's FEM Verified score is published on the platform and shared with brands.
Facilities without a Higg FEM Verified score face difficulties when renewing contracts with major brands. The score functions not as a quality seal, but as a commercial sustainability criterion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- For which sectors is the Higg FEM mandatory?
It is not a formal legal requirement. However, SAC member brands (H&M, Nike, Adidas, PVH, Levi's, etc.) require their suppliers to complete the FEM. For textile and apparel manufacturers that work with, or wish to work with, these brands, it is a commercial necessity.
- Is the FEM renewed every year?
Yes. A separate FEM is completed for each calendar year, and the verification process is also repeated annually. Improvement or decline compared with the previous year is monitored by the brand.
- How is ZDHC MRSL compliance related to the Higg FEM?
The Higg FEM Chemical Management category assesses the use management of restricted chemicals on the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) MRSL list. ZDHC membership and regular wastewater test results are essential inputs for a high score in this category.
- Does a facility with a high FEM score gain a certification advantage?
It is not a certificate in itself; however, a high FEM score is regarded as an important indicator in social compliance audits such as SMETA, BSCI and SA 8000, as well as in brand-specific audits. A mature FEM also shortens the path toward ISO 14001 certification.