how to higg environment english

How to Higg Manual
Version 1
Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) Higg Index 2.0
FACILITY MODULE – ENVIRONMENT: APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR
Guide to successfully complete the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Index
2.0 Environmental Facility Module self-assessment.

HOW TO HIGG
This guide is produced by RESET Carbon for adidas Group, ANN INC., Columbia Sportswear Co. Ltd., H&M
Hennes Mauritz (Far East) Ltd. and Patagonia Inc. (“Collaboration Brands”).
About RESET Carbon
RESET Carbon Ltd. is Hong Kong-based carbon and energy management specialist serving companies in
Asia. RESET specializes in supply chain solutions supporting Brands to develop strategies and tools to
engage manufacturers, and then working with manufacturers in particular to improve energy efficiency
on-site. RESET also offers a full range of corporate carbon and energy services to companies seeking to
measure and reduce their carbon footprint, and life cycle assessment solutions for those focused on
sustainable products.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and quality of this information at time of publication.
Neither Collaboration Brands nor RESET Carbon Ltd. takes responsibility for the subsequent use of this
information, or any errors or omissions it may contain.
April 2014

HOW TO HIGG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS GUIDE................................................................................................................................... 1
HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE....................................................................................................................... 2
HIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW FOR ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY MODULE......................................................... 3
BEFORE YOU START .................................................................................................................................. 5
GENERAL RULE -............................................................................................................................................ 5
STAFF ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................................... 6
RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST ........................................................................................................... 7
SECTION BY SECTION GUIDE....................................................................................................................10
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 1........................................................................11
ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 1.........................................................................................................25
WATER USE - LEVEL 1 ...................................................................................................................................40
WATER USE - LEVEL 2 ...................................................................................................................................42
WATER USE - LEVEL 3 ...................................................................................................................................46
WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 1 ................................................................................................................49
EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 1 ..........................................................................................................................58
EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 2 ..........................................................................................................................61
EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 3..........................................................................................................................63
WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1....................................................................................................................66
CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1 ..............................................................................................................77
FAQ..........................................................................................................................................................95
GLOSSARY................................................................................................................................................98
UPLOADING DOCUMENTS IN THE HIGG 2.0 WEB TOOL.........................................................................105
SELF-HELP RESOURCES...........................................................................................................................107
USEFUL RESOURCES...............................................................................................................................109
ABBREVIATION LIST...............................................................................................................................114

HOW TO HIGG ABOUT THIS GUIDE
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
What it is…
The HOW TO HIGG guide is a complimentary training material for facilities to use with the Sustainable
Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Index 2.0 Environmental Facility Module (“Environmental Facility Module”,
“Module”). It was first published in February 2013 to provide guidance for Higg version 1.0 and updated in
January 2014 to accommodate Higg version 2.0. The guide provides clarity on the meaning of each sub-
section and suggests best practices for responding to each question.
This guide is developed to help facilities:
• Complete an accurate self-assessment (“Module”) of their facility’s environmental performance
• Save time when preparing for the Module
• Engage, educate and collaborate with the appropriate stakeholders for rigorous self-assessment
efforts
The definitions and recommendations in this guide reference the Higg Index 2.0 and industry best
practice, such as Global Social Compliance Program (GSCP) Environmental Facilities Assessment (GSCP
Environmental Reference Requirements, Implementation Guide) and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)
Chemicals Management Module (CMM), where applicable. Facilities shall also make the effort to meet
their customers' standards.
Limitations of this guide…
While it is designed to be a standalone document, this guide does not supersede or substitute the “Terms
of Use” and “General Guidance” of the Higg Index, as set by SAC. Please note that as future versions of the
Higg Index are released by the SAC, some changes to the scoring may occur.
This guide is to facilitate calculating a Higg Index score, but does NOT provide guidance on
improvement.
Who should read this …
The guide is intended for the appointed “Higg Champion” in your facility, who will be responsible for
ensuring completion of the self-assessment. Your colleagues in the administration, management systems,
energy management, compliance or pollution control departments, who may need to be involved in the
completion of the self-assessment will also benefit from reading this guide.

HOW TO HIGG HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE
HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE
You should begin by reviewing the Before You Start section to get an idea of the recommended
documentation support and members of staff of the site you will likely have to engage for the completion
of the self-assessment.
After you have completed this preliminary step, you can refer to each section as you go through the
Environmental Facility Module for clarifications of the concepts mentioned and the recommended
information to be collected for each question.
The following icons are used throughout the Section by Section Guide, for each Environmental Facility
Module section.
Icon key list:
FAC question box contains the first level Higg Index
questions
KEY DEFINITION
Definitions of terms used in the question or in the
requirement that are often misinterpreted
SEE GLOSSARY
Definitions used in the question or in the requirements
that are explained in the glossary. The text following the
icon are the terms explained
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’
Examples of expected conditions that need to be met for
the site to score ‘YES’ for that question
SUB-QUESTION
The second level Higg Index question under each main
question
Points of concern where facilities have found to be
particularly confusing
New question in the Higg Index 2.0 Environment Facility
Module which did not appear in the Higg Index 1.0
Environment Facility Module
LEADING PRACTICE SURVEY
Please suggest any practices, programs, technology, or
methods utilized at your facility that you consider as a
“leading practice” for managing and significantly
environmental impacts. Questions under this section are
not scored
For all Leading Practice Survey Questions, please describe
the leading practice(s), state:
- Why you consider it a leading practice?
- How does the measure help improve performance
- Since when was the leading practice put into
place?

HOW TO HIGG HIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW
HIGG INDEX: AN OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY MODULE
What it is…
The Higg Index is a self-assessment sustainability tool designed to assess the environmental and social
impacts of apparel and footwear products. The Index (version 1.0) was launched in July 2012 by the
Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an industry group whose members represent more than a third of the
global apparel and footwear market. An update of the Index (The Higg 2.0) was released in December
2013, with the introduction of a new web tool, this allows facilities to submit the Higg Index online. The
overall goals of the SAC are to:
1. Understand and quantify sustainability impacts of apparel and footwear products
2. Dramatically reduce redundancy measuring sustainability in the apparel and footwear industries
3. Drive business value through reducing risk and uncovering efficiency
4. Create a common means to communicate sustainability to stakeholders
The Environmental Facility Module…
The Environmental Facility Module allows facilities to standardize how they measure and evaluate the
environmental performance of their facilities.
You can consider the Environmental Facility Module as:
1. A facility-level self-assessment tool that enables rapid learning through identification of
environmental sustainability hot spots, existing level of performance and improvement opportunities.
2. A starting point of engagement, education, and collaboration among stakeholders in advance of
more rigorous assessment efforts.
The ultimate goals of the Higg Index are to inform organizations of their strengths and weaknesses, drive
business value throughout the value chain by presenting opportunities for cost-savings and innovation,
and catalyze sustainability education and collaboration.
About the Higg Index Scoring System
The scoring system of the Higg Index was designed to drive behavior changes. All points can only be
gained and assigned to each indication question to potentially drive actions, decisions and practices that
lead to better sustainability outcomes.
The Environmental Facility Module contains 7 sections covering environmental (energy/greenhouse gas
emissions; water; wastewater/effluent; air emissions; waste; and chemicals management) impacts across
the life cycle of an apparel and footwear products. Each impact area (section) consists of a three-level
structure (Levels 1, 2 and 3) which signifies general thresholds of environmental practices. In many
instances (but not all), your facility will not be answering “Yes” to Level 3 questions unless Level 1 and 2
questions are answered. However, there are NO PREREQUISITES for answering “Yes” to a question. In
other words, if you are doing a Level 3 practice but not a Level 1 practice, you will still get credit for the
Level 3.
• Level 1 = Awareness, Understanding, and Baseline Performance
• Level 2 = Planning and Managing

HOW TO HIGG HIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW
• Level 3 = Implementing Sustainability Measures/Demonstrating Performance and Progress
There are no performance “thresholds” for evaluating scores for facilities (e.g., ranges for “gold”, “silver”,
“bronze”). It is up to each organization to determine how to interpret the scores from facilities. After
completing the Module, you will be able to have a better understanding of your facility’s environmental
performance levels. You are recommended to use the three-level structure of the Module to guide your
facility to improve the environmental management on an ongoing basis.
You can also find further clarifications about the scoring in the “General Guidance” of the Environmental
Facility Module and Higg Index FAQs on the SAC website: http://www.apparelcoalition.org/index-
faqs/scoring/

HOW TO HIGG BEFORE YOU START
BEFORE YOU START
Before reading this guide, you should have already registered for an account on the Higg Index website,
skimmed through the latest Environmental Facility Module on the Higg Index web tool, and reviewed the
Getting Started tab on the web tool, which you can find at http://www.Higg.org/.
GENERAL RULE -
Be conservative, transparent, and right first time
Facilities should be careful not to attempt to over-score themselves and should focus on providing credible
responses. Taking a conservative approach will likely minimize the need for any follow up questions.
When in doubt about whether or not you should be answering ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, the going rule is to take a
more conservative approach and answer ‘No.’ When you have selected ‘Yes’ to a question, you should
provide as much information and description as possible in the sub-questions in support of your answer.
Filling out the questionnaire and preparing list of reference
When completing the questionnaire, for each primary question to which you answer ‘Yes,’ you are
expected to respond to the sub-questions in order to receive point credit for your response and indicate
documentary support that you have for each answer. It is good practice to keep a list of references (often
referred to as an ‘audit trail’ by auditors) where you maintain an overview of the supporting evidence (in
documents, photos, data sheets etc.) corresponding to each of your answers. Not only will this smooth the
process of future edits and re-assessment, it will also help you communicate data tracking requirements
internally.
How long will it take?
Actual completion of the questionnaire will vary. It depends on the environmental performance of the
facility and readiness of the supporting data and materials. Being conservative and get it right on the first
time to minimize the rework.
Language used
Although the web tool provides translations of the questionnaire in languages other than English, please
answer the questions in ENGLISH for easier reference by your connections.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST
Make sure that you have engaged the relevant subject matter experts in your facility to complete the
Environmental Facility Module. Below is a checklist of recommended personnel that you could engage to
get the most accurate information for each Higg Index Section:
Personnel
EMS or
program
Energy
use &
GHG
Water
use
Waste-
water/
Effluent
Emissions
to air
Waste
management
Chemicals
management
Factory Manager
Compliance Officer
Human Resources
personnel who are in
charge of staff
trainings
Environmental, health
& safety (EHS)
Manager / Officer
Environmental
Management System
(EMS) Manager
Pollution Control
Officer
Chief Engineer or staff
in charge of
machinery
maintenance and data
reporting
Staff in charge of
boiler and power
generator
Electrician
Staff in charge of
wastewater
treatment plant
Chemical
Management Officer
Chemical Storage
Room Officer (or staff
in charge of chemical
storage room)

RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
The below is a recommended documents checklist as supporting evidence for each of the Higg Index
section. With the exception of items marked with “#”, which are required documents to be uploaded in
the web tool, all documents recommended in this section are optional.
While the list is developed to help collect and compile data, the actual documents containing the relevant
information may be named differently or be found in different departments for each particular facility.
1. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
INFORMATION REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
FAC-1.1 Level 1 Information on understand the site’s environmental impacts; environmental
performance governance structure; roles & responsibilities; environmental permits; and non-
compliance.
Environmental impact analysis and aspect evaluation
Latest local government environmental audit reports
Environmental Management Team organization chart and job descriptions records
Environmental management system (EMS) document
Valid permits for: Factory operation, air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid waste/ hazardous waste
disposal, if any
Corrective action request (CAR) from out-of-compliance performance, if any
FAC-1.2 Level 2 Details on environmental strategies, targets, tracking and measurement, training and
review of the facility’s environmental management system.
Environmental management plan
Corporate sustainability report
EMS internal audit reports
System or standard operating procedure (SOP) review records
EMS/program training records and manual
Environmental targets (3-5+ years) and strategy
FAC-1.3 Level 3 Details on engagement with suppliers or sub-contractors, communication of the site’s
environmental performance to internal and external stakeholders, certification of EMS, if any.
Contract, agreement, communication documents with suppliers/sub-contractors
Posters / notice / reports / websites communicating environmental performance at facility
EMS audit report from independent third party or accredited internal auditor #
EMS certificate #
2. ENERGY USE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
FAC-2.1 Level 1 Information on annual energy and steam use, energy sources and greenhouse gas
emissions.
Electricity, fuel, steam and other energy consumption record (e.g. monthly bills and annual consumption
record)
Metering plan
Carbon auditing report / Greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory

FAC-2.2 Level 2 Details on targets for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, historical
energy audit details.
Energy audit report
Energy and carbon reduction action plan
FAC-2.3 Level 3 Details on energy reductions achieved and measures taken, target review, GHG targets
achieved and measures contributing to such.
Energy and carbon tracking reports
Specification/ test reports of newly installed environmental-friendly technology
Purchase record of any form of renewable energy
Records of on-site generation of renewable energy
Carbon offset purchase records
3. WATER USE
FAC-3.1 Level 1 Details on water use sources and annual water use quantity.
Water purchase record from various sources (e.g. monthly bills)
Annual water consumption record
Water metering plan
FAC-3.2 Level 2 Details on water use reduction targets, historical water audit details.
Water audit report
Water reduction plan
FAC-3.3 Level 3 Details on water use reductions and measures taken.
Water reduction implementation/action plan
4. WASTEWATER AND EFFLUENTS
FAC-4.1 Level 1 Details on annual wastewater production.
Wastewater treatment process map
After treatment wastewater quality test report
Annual wastewater production monitoring record (quality and quantity)
FAC-4.2 Level 2 Details on targets for improving wastewater quality.
Wastewater quality testing report
Action plan on improving wastewater quality
FAC-4.3 Level 3 Details on wastewater quality improvement and measures taken.
Wastewater quality improvement implementation/action plan
5. EMISSIONS TO AIR
FAC-5.1 Level 1 Details on quality and quantity of air emissions to air.
Air emissions testing report (e.g., boiler exhaust air quality testing, power plant air quality) #
Air emissions inventory

FAC-5.2 Level 2 Details on air emissions reduction targets.
Air emissions target, reduction plan and strategy
FAC-5.3 Level 3 Details on air emissions reduction achieved and measures taken, targets achieved and
measures contributing to such.
Air emissions improvement implementation/action plan
Air emission quality test demonstrating the results of air emissions reduction measures
6. WASTE MANAGEMENT
FAC-6.1 Level 1 Details on waste generated on site and trainings
Waste inventory
Annual waste disposal/recycling record
Training materials and record for waste handling and segregation training
FAC-6.2 Level 2 Details on waste reduction targets
Waste reduction target and strategies
Waste management plan
Waste recycling program details
FAC-6.3 Level 3 Details on waste reduction achieved and measures taken, targets achieved and
measures contributing to such
Waste reduction implementation/action plan
Waste disposal/recycling record demonstrating the results of waste reduction measures
7. CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
FAC-7.1 Level 1 Details on existing chemicals management practices and compliance program.
Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Chemicals Management Module assessment report #
Annual chemicals regulation review
Restricted substance list (RSL)
Chemical inventory / list of chemicals present on-site
Business process for RSL compliance
Corrective actions for RSL non-compliance
FAC-7.2 Level 2 Details on chemical reduction goals and action plan.
Chemical management improvement action plan
Restricted substance list (RSL)
Alternatives assessment report
FAC-7.3 Level 3 Details on chemicals management performance improvement and measures
contributing to such.
OIA’s Chemicals Management Module assessment report
Action plan / implementation plan of the alternatives assessment
Chemical consumption record demonstrating the results of chemical reduction measures

HOW TO HIGG
SECTION BY SECTION GUIDE

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 1
FAC-1.1.1 Do you know what this site’s environmental impacts are (positive or negative)? (2.5 points)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
Your site has already carried out environmental impact assessment to identify the most significant environmental impacts;
You have records of the impacts identified, and are able to describe why the identified impacts are considered most significant.
SUB-QUESTION What are this site’s most significant impacts?
If your site has not conducted an environmental impact assessment to identify significant environmental impacts, you should select ‘NO’ to the question and
follow the steps provided in the ‘more info’ pop-up box to assess and identify significant impacts for your site.
Recommended content:
1) List of top environmental impacts;
2) For each impact, a short description of the physical origin of the
impact at the site;
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Negative impacts:
1. Wastewater: Effluent mainly from washing workshop
2. Air pollutants: Exhaust from diesel powered power generator, oil-fueled boiler
and smoke from kitchen
3. Solid waste: Mainly from waste fabric, sludge, waste packaging materials and
domestic waste from dormitory.
4. Noise: From machinery operations
Positive impacts:
1. Our factory plants 2000 eucalyptus seedlings every 2 years in a country park
nearby the factory to improve the environment of the local community.
[2012 Environment Audit Report Ch. 4.1.-4.2, Annual Tree Planting Record]

FAC-1.1.2 Are one or more members of management responsible for coordinating this site’s environmental management
activities? (2.5 points)

At least one member of site management is responsible for (i.e. either required in their job description or accountabilities, or designated by relevant system
documents to oversee or coordinate) the site’s environmental management activities.
SUB-QUESTION List the name(s), title(s) and contact information (phone and email) of all people responsible..
1) Name, job title and contact information of all the members of
management with environmental management roles;
2) For each member of management named, provide a brief
description of his/her role in environmental management;
3) Organization chart of environmental management team;
4) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
- Mr. Steve Chan (Head of Engineering Dept.)
• Responsibility: oversees wastewater and air emissions management.
• Email: steve.chan@apparelfactory.com
• Phone number: +86 512 68990998
- Mr. Lam Chi Ping (Head of Operations)
• Responsibility: oversees wastewater treatment.
• Email: chi.ping@apparelfactory.com
• Phone number: +86 512 68990997
[EMS Organizational Chart, Cleaner Production Audit Report 2012, ch 2.1]

FAC-1.1.3 Does this site have a program or system for monitoring environmental regulations and permits required for
operation? (10 points)

Your site has all relevant and up-to-date operation and environmental permits; and
Your site has established either Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal tracking mechanisms or EMS procedures to monitor compliance of all the
most current regulations.
SUB-QUESTION What environmental areas does this site have permits for (e.g., air emissions, waste-water, hazardous waste, a general facility-wide
environmental permit, etc.)?
1) List environmental aspects for which the site has permits, covering the
following aspects, where applicable:
• Factory operation; Air emission;
• Water use (or extraction); Wastewater/ effluent discharge;
• Solid waste; Hazardous waste disposal.
2) Describe the system or practice by which the site ensures continuing
compliance of regulations and legal requirements. This may be in the form of
EMS procedures, standard monitoring procedures, staff’s roles and
responsibility or in the form of automatic metering /monitoring systems.
Example:
The site has up-to-date permits for Factory operation, wastewater
discharge and air emissions. A list of the current environmental regulations
applicable to the site’s operation is kept, the list is updated annually.
Currently the site does not have an EMS but it is the admin officer’s
responsibility to regularly check for updates from official sources for
regulations changes, and the PCO is responsible for wastewater treatment
quantity and tracking of COD.
[Pollution control audit report 2012, p.44; List of applicable environmental
regulations]

SUB-QUESTION If requested, are you able to provide copies of these permits?
SUB-QUESTION Are any environmental permits expired and pending renewal from government authorities?
FAC-1.1.4 Has your site facility been in compliance with all legal requirements/permits during the past 12 months? (15
points)
Your site has not been cited for being out of compliance any legal requirements/permits any time in the past 12 months by government authorities.
Answer the following sub-question only if your answer to FAC-1.1.4 is ‘No’.
SUB-QUESTION Please describe the citations given to your site by the government from being out of compliance AND indicate whether they have been
resolved. If they have not been resolved please specify the timeline for resolution.
You should be able to provide copies of the mentioned permits if requested. The answer must be YES for this sub-question, if you have selected YES to FAC-1.1.3.
Select YES if any of your environmental permits (as stated in the previous sub-question) have been expired and pending renewal from government authorities.
Select NO if all your environmental permits are up-to-date.

1) Date and title of citation / warning letter/ sanction;
2) Any penalty incurred – the form and amount of fine, where
applicable;
3) Reason for non-compliance
4) Follow-up actions and timeline for resolution
5) Reference to relevant documents
Example:
- The site has received a “Violation letter dated 4 Apr 2012” for alleged violation of “failing
to secure license as hazardous waste generator".
- There was no fine resulting from this letter as we appealed to the Environmental
Protection Department explaining that we had already secured the license as of 25 March
2012.
- The charge was cleared since May 2012.
[Notice of alleged violation letter 4th Apr 2012, photo copy of Appeal letter (14 April
2012), EPD-license 25 March 2012]

FAC-1.2.1 Do you have a formal environmental management system or program aimed at understanding and continually
improving this site’s environmental impacts? (15 points)
Your site has already carried out environmental impact assessment to identify the most significant environmental impacts; and
The site’s EMS has formal documentation and clear environmental policy that describes the site’s activities, products, and services including a commitment to
continual improvement and prevention of pollution; and
Relevant staff is trained to implement and maintain the EMS including environmental policy, procedures and the EMS as a whole, and potential consequences
of departure from procedures; and
The EMS is continually reviewed by management.
For more information, please visit the Help tab within the web tool (https://higg.summitenergy.com/Help/Help.aspx) and watch the video called “Overview of
Environmental Management Systems (EMSs)” and “How to Create an Environmental Management System (EMS)”, please see “Self-help Resources” for more details
on the videos.
For a list of recognized EMS framework, please refer to “Useful Resources”.
See Glossary Environmental management system (EMS), Environmental Policy, Management Review
SUB-QUESTION Please summarize the key elements of your environmental management system or program.
1) Description of the policy laid out in the EMS;
2) Description of areas of focus (key environmental aspects) of the EMS, if
it is not based on a recognized EMS framework;
Example:
- The EMS is based on the ISO 14001 framework, with a Plan-do-check-act
cycle that guides decision-making. The policy includes 6 key commitments
covering legal compliance and continuous improvement of key environmental
aspects (energy, water use, wastewater, air emissions and waste,
customers/internal requirements on EMS, etc)
[Environmental Management System Manual v.1.4 2011 p.3-4]

SUB-QUESTION How are employees being trained about your program?
SUB-QUESTION How often are management reviews of the system/program held?
1) Description of the training occasion (context), frequency;
2) Description of content of training in relation to EMS, and the personnel
trained;
3) Reference to relevant documentation like training materials and
attendance record.
Example:
EMS Trainings have been conducted since 2011, either at staff orientation or
annual training.
Topics include cleaner production laws and regulations, Environmental policy
and EMS program and monitoring, auditing and data collection, case studies,
awareness training, etc.
Participants include department heads, EHS team members and operational
heads. – [you could give the specific names of people too, as another example]
[EMS training summary in 2011 in 2012 Sustainability Audit Report p.48]
1) Description of the frequency and regularity of management review of
the EMS aforementioned;
2) Latest date of review, or next scheduled date of review if the EMS has
been implemented recently;
Example:
EMS is reviewed once a year in March.
Last reviewed on 24 March 2012.
[Internal EMS review record dated 24 March 2012]

FAC-1.2.2 Does your site have an overarching environmental strategy that prioritizes impact reduction areas and sets long-
term targets (3-5 years) to achieve significant environmental performance improvements? (15 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
ENVIRONMENTAL TARGET
• A specific task in the achievement of an environmental objective. Environmental targets must be stated in a measurable and quantifiable manner.
(ISO14001:2004)
• A detailed performance requirement (quantified where possible and applicable to all or parts of the organization), that arises from the setting of environmental
objectives and which needs to be set and met in order to achieve those objectives. (US EPA EMS Glossary)
• Targets can be based on absolute data or normalized data
The site’s EMS is supported by an overarching environmental strategy that drives continual improvement of environmental performance in the medium to
long term (3 years or above); and
The site has formal, quantifiable and documented long-term environmental targets (3-5+ years) set against clearly stated baseline year and performance
level.
The baseline year and the baseline performance level (e.g. annual energy use, water use per unit, emissions per unit etc.), once decided for each target, should
remain unchanged.
See Glossary Overarching environmental strategy (of Environmental management system)
SUB-QUESTION If requested, are you able to provide a copy of your environmental strategy?
State whether you can provide copies of your environmental strategy.
Example:
Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.

FAC-1.3.1 Does this site work with its suppliers or sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance across any
relevant impact areas (e.g., energy/greenhouse gas, water use, waste, etc.)? (10 points)
The site has documented engagement activities with at least one upstream supplier or sub-contractor whose environmental performance in the relevant
impact area is considered significant; and
The engagement is aimed at improving the said suppliers’ environmental performance.
See Glossary Suppliers or subcontractors
SUB-QUESTION Describe how you work with suppliers to improve their environmental performance across any or all relevant impact areas.
1) Description of the form of engagement: e.g. whether through
organizing best-practice sharing, training, contractual agreement or
other.
2) Description of scope of supplier engaged: whether all suppliers are
engaged or for specific groups only.
Example:
- All material suppliers are engaged by our sourcing department to pass a pledge
of environmental compliance, and when signing contracts they would all be
required to sign our Group’s Environmental Protection Agreement, committing
to continuously reduce impact across the relevant areas.
[Suppliers compliance survey v.2 and Group Environmental Protection
Agreement, 2011]

SUB-QUESTION Describe how you work with sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance across any or all relevant impact areas.
1) Description of the form of engagement: e.g. whether through
organizing best-practice sharing, training, contractual agreement or
other.
2) Description of scope sub-contractors engaged: whether all sub-
contractor are engaged or for specific groups only.
Example:
- All laundry sub-contractor are engaged by our administrative department to
pass a pledge of environmental compliance, to ensure that the sub-contractor
has a valid permit for wastewater discharge. When signing contracts they would
all be required to sign our Group’s Environmental Protection Agreement,
committing to continuously reduce impact across the relevant areas.
[Subcontractor engagement program and Group Environmental Protection
Agreement, 2011]

FAC-1.3.2 Are this site’s environmental management systems certified and/or audited by an independent third party
auditor or an accredited internal auditor? (10 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
ACCREDITED INTERNAL AUDITOR (ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM)
• A person that has received training from an independent external training organisation on environmental management system auditing and the training course
is certified by a reputable professional organisation such as the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), International Registration of
Certified Auditors (IRCA), etc.
Either, the site’s EMS is verified / certified for conformity to a particular international standard; or
The site’s EMS is in compliance to an international standard that allows for self-declaration, and the site’s accredited internal auditor has
identified and declared the site’s conformity to this standard, with relevant documentation required by this standard like internal audit plan,
audit records and corrective actions logs
SUB-QUESTION If certified or audited, please upload the certificate or audit report.
Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to upload the certificate or audit report.
Click “choose file” and choose the electronic copy of the certificate or the audit report (in doc, pdf, ppt or zip format).

SUB-QUESTION If an audit was conducted, who conducted the audit and was it an internal or external auditor?”
1) Name the title of the international standard / framework, stating the
date the certification was completed;
2) State the type of audit: 3rd
Party or self-certification/declaration/
internal audit
3) State organization / professional body/ internal auditor who carried
out the audit;
Example:
ISO14001, 3rd party certification completed in Nov 2010 by SGS China.
[ISO14001 certification report and certification, Nov 2010]

FAC-1.3.3 Does your site make information on its air emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, water discharges, and waste
generation available to the public? (20 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
MAKE INFORMATION AVAILABLE
• Procedures for external communication includes the process for receiving, documenting and responding to relevant communications from external interested
parties.
• Information may be made publicly available to external stakeholders through a website or environmental report, however the information about each site must
be identifiable in the report, not only aggregated.
The site’s environmental performance progress is proactively made available to the general public and other external stakeholders.
Stakeholders are notified of where to look for the environmental performance information available
The site must be proactively making the information available, not just passively responding to requests.
See Glossary Stakeholders (internal and external)
SUB-QUESTION How is information made available? If it is provided on a public website, please list the website address.
1) Description the form of external communications: e.g. whether through
reports mailed to a mailing list or published on website, site-visits etc.
2) Provide the hyperlink, if the report is published online.
3) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
- The site’s energy, water use and COD performance are included in the Group
sustainability report published annually.
- The report can be found at www.example.com/report2011.pdf
[Annual sustainability report 2011, pp. 55-56, 88-92]

Leading Practice Survey
FAC-1.3.4 Does your site make information on its resource consumption (energy and water use) available to the general
public? (Not scored)
The site’s energy and water consumption information is proactively made available to the general public and other external stakeholders.
Stakeholders are notified of where to look for the environmental performance information available
The site must be proactively making the information available, not just passively responding to requests.
See Glossary Stakeholders (internal and external)
SUB-QUESTION How is this information made available? If it is provided on a public website, please list the website address.
1) Description the form of external communications: e.g. whether
through reports mailed to a mailing list or published on website, site-
visits etc.
2) Provide the hyperlink of the website.
Example:
- The site annual electricity consumption is reported on the company’s website
annually.
- The electricity consumption details can be found at
http://www.example.com/csr/energy

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 1
FAC-2.1.1 Does this site track and measure, at least annually, energy use from all sources, including energy used on-site
(direct) and purchased energy (indirect)? (10 points)
You have documented tracking of all direct and indirect energy use of the site.
SUB-QUESTION Select the sources/types of energy used at your facility site. You may select more than one source/type of energy.
Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to fill in the following:
1) List of all sources of energy use on site;
2) Frequency and method of measurement for each source of energy;
3) For each source of direct energy use, describe where it is used.
Example:

FAC-2.1.2 How much electricity does your site use each year? (5 points)
If electricity is not consumed at your site, choose “I do not use electricity at my site”.
If electricity is consumed but not tracked, choose “I have electricity at my site but it is not measured”.
If electricity is consumed and tracked, choose “I have electricity at my site and it is measured (please input value to score points)”.
SUB-QUESTION
1) Total amount of annual electricity consumption, and;
2) The corresponding unit of measure.
Example:

? FAC-2.1.3 How much steam does your site use each year? (5 points)
If steam is not consumed at your site, choose “I do not use steam at my site”.
If steam is consumed but not tracked, choose “I have steam at my site but it is not measured”.
If steam is consumed and tracked, choose “I have steam at my site and it is measured (please input value to score points)”.
SUB-QUESTION
1) Total amount of annual steam consumption, and;
Example:
Screenshot from The HIGG 2.0 web tool.

FAC-2.1.4 Does this site calculate and track, at least annually, its greenhouse gas emissions? (10 points)
The site has documented tracking and calculation of GHG emissions, covering the scope required by national guidelines and against national reporting
framework where the site is located, using relevant and up-to-date emissions factors; or
There is documented tracking and calculation of the site’s GHG emissions, covering at least scope 1 & scope 2 emissions according to internationally
recognized standards, such as GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting & Reporting Guidelines or ISO 14064:2006-1
If your site tracks energy use but has not calculated or converted energy usage data into GHG emission, select “NO,” since energy use is only a portion of your
GHG emissions. Factories may consider using online tools or working with qualified 3rd
party professional services to support GHG accounting and inventories in
order to comply with the recognized international standards. For more information on online carbon reporting tools, please refer to “Useful Resources”.
See Glossary Greenhouse gas emissions
SUB-QUESTION What tool or guide did you use to calculate your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
1) Name the GHG accounting framework or guideline your site’s GHG
emissions are tracked and calculated against, noting the version used.
Example:
GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard Revised
Edition (Simplified Chinese)
[GHG accounting report 2011-2012]

SUB-QUESTION What energy sources are the GHG emission calculations based on?
1) State all the energy sources the GHG emissions have been calculated
based on.
Example:
Fuel for boiler use, purchased electricity, heavy oil, coal.
[GHG accounting report 2011-2012, monthly energy use and GHG
inventory]

FAC-2.2.1 Do you set and review at least annually improvement targets for reducing energy use (including fuel use for on-
site transportation if applicable)? (10 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
FORMAL TARGET FOR ENERGY USE
• A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s annual energy use of an energy source. A formal target must:
1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") and the performance level (i.e. annual energy use or "baseline") at start date;
2) include an end date of the target, meaning the intended completion of the required reductions;
3) include an exact reduction quantity, expressed in percentage;
4) be relevant to reducing the site’s energy use; and,
5) frequency of reviewing the target.
• Formal targets in this instance may be absolute or normalized.
• For more information, please watch a video called “Overview of Improvement Targets,” which is available on the Help tab within the web tool.
Your site has documented formal target(s) for annual energy use reduction for at least one or more energy sources (e.g. electricity, coal, fuel,
or aggregated into kilowatt-hour (kWh), British therms (thm), mega joule (MJ), etc.); and
The targets are communicated to relevant staff who responsible in delivering them; and
There is supporting evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets; and
Targets are at least reviewed annually.
If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must already be in place.

SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal energy reduction targets?
Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to list of all formal energy targets, and for each target, state:
- target name
- target type (absolute or normalized)
- the base year and target year
- % Reduction from base year
- metric for normalized target (e.g. piece of garment produced, yard of fabric produce, per kg of garment produced, standard allowable hour (SAH))
- review frequency;
Example:
Screenshot from Higg 2.0 web tool.

SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress toward your site’s energy reduction targets.
FAC-2.2.2 Do you set and review at least annually improvement targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? (5
points)
Your site has formal reduction target(s) (normalized or absolute) for GHG emissions; and
The targets are communicated to relevant staff who responsible in delivering them; and
There is supporting evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets; and
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for energy reduction, state:
- Department/ person responsible for the plan
- Timeframe of the plan (e.g. 5-year)
- Year that the plan was implemented (e.g. 2010)
Example:
Energy reduction plan was established by the engineering team and approved
by plant manager in October 2010. The plan guides the energy reduction of the
facility from 2010 to 2015.
[Energy reduction plan 2010 v.1, EMS manual p.120-122]

SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal targets?
Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to list of all GHG targets, and for each target, state:
- target name
- review frequency
Example:
Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool

FAC-2.2.3 Has your site had an energy audit conducted in the last three years by a certified professional to identify
potential energy and cost savings? (15 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
ENERGY AUDIT (also called energy assessment):
An energy audit of a site is a detailed inspection, assessment and analysis of the site’s overall hardware and operations, with a view to enhance energy efficiency
and identify potential alternative energy sources. A profession energy audit helps identify energy consumption and emissions of GHGs by process and activity and
to identify opportunities for further energy efficiency. (Higg and US EPA glossary)
• An energy audit should identify for the site, savings (energy and costs) and pay-back rates by specific investment or action (e.g., investing $X in a lighting
retrofit will save ___ kWh annually, which equals $Z in savings and a payback of ___ months.) (Higg)
An energy audit has been conducted for the site in the past 3 years by a certified professional; and
The energy audit provided a detailed analysis of costs and energy saving opportunities with payback estimates for the site as a whole
Audits carried out for implementation of particular measures does not qualify as an energy audit.
SUB-QUESTION When was the audit conducted?
1) Month and year of energy audit(s) conducted
2) Name professional organization that has conducted the audit(s)
Example:
Energy audit conducted in May 2010 by ERM
[ERM Energy Audit report 2010]

SUB-QUESTION What opportunities for reducing energy were identified in the audit (e.g., lighting retrofit)?
SUB-QUESTION Which recommended measures did you implement or are you planning to implement?
1) List top 5 energy saving opportunities by annual saving estimated
Example:
Steam recovery;
Use of eco-refrigerant;
Lighting retrofit;
Boiler insulation;
Boiler steam pressure regulation;
[ERM Energy Audit report 2010]
1) List all the measures identified in the energy audit report that the site
has subsequently implemented.
Example:
Steam recovery and lighting retrofit
[EMS Manual 2011 p.120-124, EMS targets progress report 2012 p.10-21]

FAC-2.3.1 Has your site implemented any energy conservation or efficiency measures? (15 points)
Your site has implemented energy conservation or efficiency measures
SUB-QUESTION - Select the energy conservation measures or practices implemented at your site. You may select more than one energy conservation
measure or practice, and select “Other” more than once.
- Briefly describe the energy conservation measure or practice implemented at your site.
- In what year was it completed?
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in information about the measures implemented. For each measure, state:
- the type of measure or practice implemented (select from dropdown list);
- a brief description, including the type of energy saved (e.g. coal, electricity, etc.) and the specific changes made to your facility to achieve energy conservation
or efficiency
- the year it was implemented
Example:
Screenshot from Higg 2.0 web tool

FAC-2.3.2 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the amount of energy used for your site? (15 points)
Your site has achieved reduction in absolute or normalized energy use for at least one or more energy sources (e.g. electricity, coal, fuel, or
aggregated into kilowatt-hour (kWh), British therms (thm), mega joule (MJ), etc.); and
The reduction is attributable to measures taken by the site.
See Glossary Normalized energy reductions
SUB-QUESTION Please explain your energy reduction achievement:
1) Which sources of energy were reduced?
2) What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction? (For example: energy consumption reduced by 0.02 kWh per unit produced is a normalized
reductions as the reductions is normalized with a selected metric)
3) Over what time period did you achieve the reduction?
SUB-QUESTION What specific changes to your site or operations reduced energy use?
1) List the sources of energy reduced (electricity, diesel oil, etc.)
2) The exact amount (absolute or normalized) of energy that was
reduced
3) Time period which your facility achieved energy reduction;
Example:
1) Electricity, coal
2) Site electricity use intensity (kwh/sweater) has reduced by 3%; Site total
coal consumption (ton) has reduced by 4%
3) From 2010 to 2012
[EMS manual p.120-122, EMS targets progress review 2012]
1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to the
energy use reduction;
Example:
The energy use reduction is mainly due to the use of variable speed drive
motors for dryers since mid-2011 and the use of eco-refrigerant for air-
conditioning units in the knitting workshop since Nov 2011.
[Metering records log book 2011, EMS targets progress review 2012]

FAC-2.3.3 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the amount of greenhouse (GHG) emitted for your site beyond
the reductions directly linked from reducing energy use? (10 points)
Your site has evidence showing absolute or normalized reduction achieved in annual GHG emissions; and
SUB-QUESTION Please explain your GHG reduction achievement:
- How did you reduce your GHG emissions (For example: started using 5% solar power)?
- What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction? (For example: GHG emissions reduced by 0.03 kgCO2e per unit produced)
- Over what time period did you achieve the reduction?
SUB-QUESTION What percentage of your energy use is from any on-site or off-site renewable sources (e.g., wind, solar, hydro-electric, geothermal,
biomass, etc.)?
1) List measures the site has carried out that have contributed to the
GHG reduction;
2) The exact amount (absolute or normalized) of GHG that was reduced,
3) Time period which your facility achieved GHG reduction;
Example:
1) Installation of biomass for boiler
2) Site GHG emissions (kgCO2e/sweater) has reduced by 3%
3) From 2010 to 2012
[Boiler fuel log 2012, GHG accounting report 2012]
Provide the % of renewable energy use annually as a fraction of the site’s
total energy use (i.e. renewable energy use in MW per year / total site
energy use in MW in that year);
Example:
Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool

SUB-QUESTION Describe any greenhouse gas or carbon offsets you have purchased (quantity, offset type, vendor).
FAC-2.3.4 Please list and describe any practices, programs, technology, or methods you utilize at your site that you
consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly reducing energy use and/or greenhouse gas
emissions? (Not scored)
1) Quantity of greenhouse gas or carbon offset purchased
2) Type of offset purchased
3) Company from which the carbon offset is purchased
Example:
2000 metric tonnes of carbon offset is purchased from Carbon Offset Limited
in March 2011. Carbon offset generated from a hydro power for the island of
Java, Indonesia.
[Carbon offset certificate from Carbon Offset Limited, March 2011]
Example:
Skylight in storage area
- Skylight system was installed in May 2010 on the rooftop of storage area and replaced the traditional T8 tubes (50 tubes in total). The skylight is
developed by facility own engineering team by using water-filled plastic water bottles.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 3: WATER USE
WATER USE - LEVEL 1
FAC-3.1.1 Do you measure and track total water consumption for your site (including domestic and process water)? (25
points)
Your site has documented tracking of all on-site water use, fulfilling the requirements below.
See Glossary Domestic and process water
SUB-QUESTION Select the sources for water used at your site. You may select more than one source, and you may select "Other" more than once.
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the following:
1) List of all sources of water use on site;
2) For each source of water use, describe where it is used.
3) Frequency and method of measurement for each source of water
Example:

FAC-3.1.2 How much water do you use each year at your site? (5 points)
1) Total amount of water use, and;
Example:

WATER USE - LEVEL 2
FAC-3.2.1 Do you set, and review at least annually, formal targets for reducing water use at your site? (10 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
FORMAL TARGET FOR WATER BY SOURCE USE
• A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s annual water use of a particular water source. A formal target must:
1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") of target, the measurement unit, and the baseline consumption (i.e. m3
/year at 2010 baseline)
2) include an end date of the target, meaning the intended completion of the required reductions; and
3) include an exact reduction quantity, expressed as a number (e.g. reduce by 1 million m3
/ 100K USD) or a percentage (e.g. reduce by 5%).
4) be relevant to reducing the site’s water use (e.g. focuses on the most significant water uses at the site)
There is documented formal reduction target(s) for annual water use of your primary water sources (e.g., mains, surface water, groundwater,
recycled water etc.) that fulfil the above definition; and
Staff is trained and made responsible for delivering the targets; and
There is evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets; and

SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal water use reduction targets?
SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress toward your site’s water reduction targets.
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list of all formal energy targets, and for each target, state:
- target name
- review frequency;
Example:
Screenshot from Higg 2.0 web tool.
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for water reduction, state:
Example:
Water reduction plan was established by the Factory EMS team and approved
by plant manager in December 2009. The plan guides the energy reduction of
the facility from 2010 to 2014.
[EMS targets progress review 2012, Sustainability Report 2012]

FAC-3.2.2 Has your site had a water audit conducted to identify potential water and cost savings? (20 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
WATER AUDIT
• A water audit of a site is an assessment and analysis of the site’s overall water consumption, with a view to identify opportunity to reduce water
consumption and make water consumption more efficient. (Higg and NRDC glossary)
• A water audit should identify for the site, savings (water and costs) and pay-back rates by specific investment or action (e.g., investing $X in a water recycling
project will save ___ L of water annually, which equals $Z in savings and a payback of ___ months.)
A water audit has been conducted for the site in the past 3 years by a certified professional; and
The water audit provided a detailed analysis of costs and water saving opportunities with payback estimates for the site as a whole
Audits carried out for implementation of particular measures does not qualify as a water audit.
SUB-QUESTION When was the audit conducted?
1) Month and year of water audit(s) conducted.
Example:
Water audit conducted in December 2011.

SUB-QUESTION Was it conducted by a third party or internally?
SUB-QUESTION What opportunities were identified? (e.g., leakages, efficiency)
SUB-QUESTION What opportunities were implemented?
1) Name of the third party organisation or internal staff that has
conducted the audit(s).
Example:
Yes. It was conducted by SGS Indonesia.
[SGS Water Audit report 2011]
1) List top 3 water saving opportunities by annual saving estimated
Example:
Condensate recovery for boiler feed water;
Rainwater collection for toilet flush water;
Installation of aerator at all faucets.
[SGS Water Audit report 2011]
1) List all the measures identified in the water audit report that the site
has subsequently implemented.
Example:
Rainwater collection for toilet flush water;
Installation of aerator at all faucets.
[EMS Manual 2012 p.120-124, EMS targets progress report 2012 p.10-21]

WATER USE - LEVEL 3
FAC-3.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the quantity of water used for your site, such as by reusing
rinse water or capturing condensate or cooling water? (40 points)
There is evidence of normalized or absolute reduction of annual water use for at least one primary water sources (e.g., mains, surface water, groundwater,
recycled water etc.); and
SUB-QUESTION Where is the water captured and where is it reused? (describe all)
If the reduction in water use is achieved by measures other than recycling/reusing measures, please state “Water recycling measure not in place.”, then fill in
the other measures implemented which leads to reduction in water use.
1) List of water reduction achievement according to:
- the location where water is captured for recycling
- the location where recycled water is used
Example:
Condensate from laundry is captured and reused as feed-in water for boiler.
[EMS manual p.124-128]

SUB-QUESTION What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction from these changes?
SUB-QUESTION Over what time period did you achieve the reduction?
1) List of water reduction achievement according to:
- the absolute or normalized amount of water that was reduced
- which sources of water were reduced
- the metric for normalization (for normalize reduction)
Example:
Per garment groundwater use was reduced by 2% (0.17 m3
by garment)
[Metering records log book 2010-2012, EMS targets progress review 2012]
1) Time period which your facility achieved water reduction;
Example:
From 2010-2012.

consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly reducing water use? (Not scored)
Example:
Cold pad batch processing for pretreatment and dyeing
- Cold pad batch system was installed in June 2011 to replace the original dyeing system. With this method, dyes are embedded into the fabric using a
padder, and the fabric is then stored to allow complete reaction between the fabric and chemicals prior to rinse. (Example from NRDC Clean by Design)
- We are the first fabric mill in the province to install the cold pad batch technology.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT
WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 1
FAC-4.1.1 Is all wastewater that is discharged from this site being treated with primary and secondary treatment? (15
points)
KEY DEFINITION:
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Wastewater from a facility can be treated on-site (at the facility) or off-site (at a centralized wastewater treatment facility operated by local government or
service provider). Common methods of wastewater treatment include:
• Primary – screening and settling; clarification where solids settle, oil and grease float
• Secondary – biological decomposition; degradation of organic content with aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment
• Tertiary – additional methods to further improve water quality, for example: disinfection, nutrient removal, reverse osmosis/ultra-filtration
(Higg)
All of the site’s wastewater discharge has undergone primary and secondary treatment, either on-site or off-site to meet regulatory requirements, and
There is documented contingency plan (or emergency plan) in place to ensure that discharge meets said regulatory requirement in case of malfunctioning
of on-site treatment facilities or contracted off-site facilities.
See Glossary Wastewater/Effluent Treatment

SUB-QUESTION Where is the primary or secondary treatment occurring (on-site, off-site, or a combination of both)?
SUB-QUESTION If treatment is occurring on-site, what specific types of treatment are used: primary, secondary, and tertiary?
SUB-QUESTION If any treatment is occurring off-site, what is the treatment facility used (name and location)?
1) State the location of primary or secondary treatment.
Example:
Both primary and secondary treatment occurs on-site.
[2012 treatment tank monitoring report, EMS manual p.19-24, Pollution Control
audit report 2012 p.16, discharge permit]
1) State the form of primary, secondary or tertiary treatment used
for treatment;
Example:
Primary treatment (clarification) and secondary treatment (chemical and
biochemical). Treated effluent meeting local regulatory standards is discharged to
the river.
[Environmental Emergency Response Plan v.4 p.80-90]
1) State the name and location of off-site treatment used;
2) State the form of treatment used.
Example:
Off-site secondary treatment (biochemical) facility:
Resolute Waters, address: 234 Bowmore, Diandi province, 13340 Example County.
[Effluents treatment record 2012, Service contract signed 2009, invoices in 2012]

FAC-4.1.2 Do you monitor the quantity and quality of wastewater produced at your site? (10 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
MEASURING WASTEWATER
The quantity and quality of the water discharged by the reporting organization is directly linked to ecological impact and operational costs. As such, wastewater
measurement should track a set of relevant standard parameters, including at least but not limited to:
• the volume of wastewater;
• total suspended solids content (TSS);
• chemical oxygen demand (COD);
where applicable.
Your site has assessed and identified the most significant sources of wastewater / effluent generated, and
You site measures and tracks the amount and quality of all wastewater generated.
Include all manufacturing and/or commercial activities within the facility site’s wastewater generation, including domestic use, as well as wastewater/effluent
from dormitories (e.g., bathrooms, showers, kitchens.) when answering
See Glossary Wastewater

SUB-QUESTION What contaminants do you measure?
SUB-QUESTION At what frequency are they measured?
1) List the most significant sources of wastewater / effluent of the site;
2) For each source, describe:
- the volume of wastewater
- the type of wastewater the drain carries (e.g., process/trade, storm
water, etc.)
- the wastewater generation source/ point (e.g. where does it come
from?)
- the wastewater discharge destination / receiving body (e.g. where
does it go?)
- the types of contaminants (e.g., solvents, oils/greases, solid
matter, etc.) that may be discharged from that source
- sampling method (e.g. frequency and location of the test being
conducted)
Example:
1st: Process effluent from denim wash treated and discharged to wastewater
treatment plant; Contaminants include: dye, chemicals and auxiliaries for
washing; Annual volume: 34,000m3
2nd: Process effluent from Finishing treated and discharged to river.
Contaminants include: trace amount of solvents, oil; Annual volume: 20,000m3
3rd: Domestic water from toilets, showers in the dormitory discharged to
municipal treatment. Contaminants include: organic solid matter. Annual
volume: 19,000m3
All process water has COD, TSP, measured and real-time monitoring system in
place at the wastewater pipe from the finishing and washing workshop.
[2012 treatment tank monitoring report, workshop one water meter log 2012,
EMS manual p.19-24, Pollution Control audit report 2012 p.16]
1) The frequency of wastewater quantity measurement.
Example:
Quantity of wastewater is tracked by water meter, record is taken weekly.
[2012 treatment tank monitoring report, workshop one water meter log 2012,
EMS manual p.19-24, Pollution Control audit report 2012 p.16]

FAC- 4.1.3 What is the daily wastewater production at your site? (5 points)
You have tracked the daily wastewater generated at your facility for the last calendar year.
Wastewater generated includes water that is either discharged, reclaimed/recycled or reuse at your site.
SUB-QUESTION What is the daily wastewater production at your site?
The quantity of daily wastewater generated at your facility in the last full
calendar year (e.g. For 2014 Higg submission, please fill in the quantity of
wastewater discharged daily for 2013).
Example:

FAC-4.2.1 Do you set and review at least annually formal targets for improving wastewater quality for your site? (30
points)
There are documented formal improvement target(s) for annual aggregated wastewater discharge quality, or formal target(s) for both wastewater quality
improvement and volume reduction that fulfil the above definition;
Staff is trained and made responsible for delivering the targets;
There is supporting evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets;
Targets are at least reviewed annually with documented evidence.
If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must be in place.
See Glossary Wastewater Quality, Formal wastewater quality target
SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal wastewater quality improvement targets?
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list all formal wastewater quality improvement and volume reduction targets, and for each target, state:
- target name
- review frequency;

SUB-QUESTION Describe your procedure for testing wastewater quality. Please include the frequency of testing, whether testing is done internally or
externally, and the testing parameters used (e.g. BOD, COD, pH, and others).
SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress towards your site's improvement target.
Example:
1) The frequency of wastewater quality testing;
2) The name of the party conducted the testing;
3) The testing parameters used;
Example:
Quality of wastewater is measured by third-party laboratory every 6 months. The
test measures the follow parameters: colour, pH, BOD, COD, Total Suspended
Particulates).
[Pollution Control audit report 2012 p.16]
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for wastewater reduction,
state:
Example:
Wastewater reduction plan was established by engineering team in 2011. The
plan guides the reduction of wastewater from 2011-2015.
[EMS targets progress review 2012, Sustainability Report 2012]

FAC-4.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of improving the wastewater quality for your site? (40 points)
Your site has documented evidence showing improvement in discharge water quality over time.
The quality improvement is attributable to measures taken by the site.
Evidence of reducing wastewater volume alone is insufficient. For instance, if you decrease your wastewater discharge volume, you may inadvertently create
wastewater quality that is untreatable (on-site or off-site) and have a net-negative impact.
SUB-QUESTION Which types of pollutants were reduced:
1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to
improve wastewater quality
Example:
COD and pH.
[Pollution Control Audit Report 2011p.19, Pollution Control Audit Report
2012 p.22]

SUB-QUESTION What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction from these changes?
SUB-QUESTION Over what time period you achieved the wastewater quality improvement:
consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly improving wastewater quality. (Not scored)
1) List of wastewater quality improvements according to:
- the absolute or normalized amount of pollutants reduced,
- the metric for normalization (for normalized reduction),
- the baseline year and baseline water quality level.
Example:
Wastewater COD improvement achieved in 2011 compared against 2009
baseline. A 38% COD/ tonne of fabric reduction was achieved against a 50
kg/t baseline.
1) Time period which your facility achieved wastewater reduction;
Example:
2 years.
[EMS targets progress review 2012, p.22]
Example:
Tertiary wastewater treatment
- Following the biological and chemical treatment process, adsorption on activated carbon with recycling of the activated carbon to the activated sludge
system and destruction of the adsorbed non-biodegradable compounds by incineration or radical treatment of the excess sludge. (Example from EU
Report - Document on Best Available Techniques for the Textile Industry (BREF, 2003). The system was installed in October 2013.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR
EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 1
*This section may not be applicable to all facilities. For facilities who declared that “emissions to air do not apply to this facility site” in the “Facility Site Info” section
of the Higg self-assessment questionnaire, this section will not be weighted in your total Higg score.
FAC-5.1.1 Do you maintain a current list (“inventory”) of emissions to air and their sources at your site? (10 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
EMISSION TO AIR
Air emissions generated by the site’s main activities (e.g. related to the process) activities and equipment (e.g. boilers, generators, cooling towers etc.). (GSCP)
Main emissions include pollutants of concern at the source power generation, steam generation and/or textile manufacturing, which may include the following
criteria air pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM 0.5, PM 2.5 and PM 10), SOx (Sulfur Oxides), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Ozone
Depleting Substances (ODSs), Toxic Air Pollutants (e.g. associated with solvents, adhesives), Lead, Carbon Monoxide, Water Vapor and Steam. (Higg)
Note: Greenhouse gas emissions are not covered in this Section, but covered in Section 2 – Energy Use and GHG Emissions - of the Higg Index.
Your site has identified the air emissions related to its main activities and equipment operated on-site including core facility operations (e.g., production
line equipment, manufacturing processes, etc.) and non-core facility operations (e.g., boilers, generators, cooling towers, etc.);
Your site has kept an inventory of emissions to air.
Refer to the Useful Resources chapter for information about the air emission inventory.
See Glossary Air Emission Inventory

SUB-QUESTION What are your site’s main emissions to air?
1) Emission sources present on-site;
2) The quantity of pollutant emitted from the sources listed (if
known or estimated);
3) Any control devices (e.g. abatement equipment) installed;
4) Whether the particular emission is legally regulated. If yes, state
the name of the regulation.
Example:
Air emission sources presented on-site: coal boiler. Scrubber was installed to
capture soot and particulates generated during the combustion in the boiler.
Test conducted show that pollutants emitted are within the limits of government
regulation - Act 234 Air Pollutants from Manufacturing Activities.
Main pollutants from coal boiler:
- NOx – 12 mg/m3
; SO2 – 10 mg/m3
; Particulate – 12.5 mg/m3
[Environmental Impact Assessment Report, P.23-24; Environmental Agency Half-
Yearly Monitoring Report, P.2-3; Air pollution permit, issued 2011]

FAC-5.1.2 Are air emissions at your site regularly tested and monitored by a certified professional or laboratory? (20
points)
SUB-QUESTION How frequently does testing take place?
SUB-QUESTION Please upload the test report.
1) The frequency of air emission testing at the emission source (not
indoors or outdoors ambient air);
2) Test report from certified professional or laboratory, showing the
type, source, quality and quantity of air pollutants present at
your site.
Example:
Testing on emissions from boiler is conducted every 6 month by government
accredited laboratory – Precision Lab Ltd. Last test conducted in June 2013.
[Precision Lab Air pollutants Monitoring Report, 13 June 2013]
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to upload the test report.
Click “choose file” and choose the electronic copy of the certificate or the audit report (in doc, pdf, ppt or zip format).

FAC-5.2.1 Do you set, and review at least annually, formal targets for reducing emissions to air at your site? (30 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
FORMAL TARGET FOR AIR EMISSION BY SOURCE USE
A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s air emission of a particular source. A formal target must:
1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") of target, the measurement unit, and baseline emissions (i.e. µg/m3
/year at 2010 baseline); and
2) include an end date of the target, meaning the intended completion of the required reductions; and
3) include an exact reduction quantity, expressed as a number (e.g. reduce by 0.) or a percentage (e.g. reduce by 5%); and
4) be relevant to reducing the site’s emissions to air (e.g. focuses on the most significant air pollutants/air emission source at the site)
Note: This question refers to the reduction of air emissions, not the inputs causing the emissions (e.g. reduced total production capacity, reduced total
operation hours). This goes beyond the benefits achieved as a result of reducing energy. (Higg)
There is documented formal reduction target(s) for air emissions of significant emission sources (e.g., boiler, generator etc.); and
Staff is trained and made responsible for delivering the targets; and
There is evidence of the site’s actions towards meeting the targets; and
Targets are reviewed at least annually.

SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal air emissions reduction targets?
SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress towards your site’s air emissions reduction targets.
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list of all formal air emissions targets, and for each target, state:
- target name
- review frequency;
Example:
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for air emissions reduction,
state:
Example:
Air emissions reduction plan was established by environmental task force in
2013. The plan guides the implementation of air emission control measures from
2013-2015 e.g. wet scrubbers in coal boiler.
[Factory sustainability target 2013, p.3 - action plan]

FAC- 5.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the quantity of emissions to air for your site beyond reductions
resulting from reducing energy use? (40 points)
There is evidence of absolute or normalized reduction of air emissions for at least one air emission source from your facility
(e.g., NOx from boiler, SO2 from generator, etc.).
The air emissions reductions are attributable to measures taken by the site other than reducing energy use.
This section focuses on the reduction of air emission, not the input causing the emissions. For example, a reduction in coal consumption stated in Section 2
shall not be used again in this Section.
SUB-QUESTION Which types of air emissions were reduced?
1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to
improve air quality;
Example:
NOx emitted from boiler.
[Precision Lab Air Testing Report 2012 p.2, Precision Lab Air Testing Report
2013, p.3]

SUB-QUESTION What is the absolute or normalized amount of the reduction?
SUB-QUESTION Over what time period you achieved the reduction?
SUB-QUESTION What specific changes to your site or operations reduced the emissions to air?
1) List of air emissions reduction achievement according to:
- the absolute or normalized amount of pollutants reduced,
- the metric for normalization (for normalized reduction),
- the current, baseline year and baseline emission level.
Example:
NOx emitted from boiler reduced in 2013, compared against 2010 baseline.
A 10% NOx/ garment reductions were achieved against a 15µg/m3
garment
baseline.
[Precision Lab Air Testing Report 2012 p.2, Precision Lab Air Testing Report
2013, p.3]
1) Time period which your facility achieved air emissions reduction;
Example:
3 years (2010-2013).
[EMS targets progress review 2013, p.2]
1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to air
emission reduction beyond reductions resulting from reducing energy
use;
Example:
The air emission reduction is mainly due to the installation of scrubber and
use of cleaner coal in the boiler since mid-2012.
[Precision Lab Air pollutants Monitoring Report, June and December 2012,
EMS targets progress review 2012]

consider to be a “leading practice” for managing and significantly reducing air emissions? (Not scored)
Example:
Real-time monitoring
Gas analyzer was installed in the at the boiler exhaust chimney in January 2011. The analyzer can provide real-time air quality (e.g. SO2, NOx) and flue gas ratio
(i.e. CO/CO2) in real time. The gas analyzer monitoring provides data that exceeds the requirements of local air regulations which specify to test their air quality
every 3 months.

HOW TO HIGG SECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1
FAC-6.1.1 Do you measure and record, at least annually, waste generated from all waste streams at your site? (7.5 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
WASTE
• Waste is any substance or object which is discarded, intended to be discarded or is required to be discarded. Waste can include expired raw materials,
materials generated from a process for which there is no further use on-site, expired finished products, process or non-process by-products, customer
returns, redundant equipment, etc. It can also include electronic waste (or “e-waste”). (Higg) Waste can be further categorized into hazardous and non-
hazardous waste.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
• A hazardous waste is a waste that could cause harm to public health and/or the environment because of its chemical, physical, or biological characteristics
(e.g., it is flammable, explosive, toxic, radioactive, or infectious). (Higg)
Waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, gases, or sludge. They can be
discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes. (The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency).
• Hazardous waste Facility should also review local legislations for definitions of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Your site has identified all waste streams (e.g. through an Environmental Impact Assessment).
Your site has identified all relevant local (country / provincial / city) regulations or other internationally recognized classification system in classifying
hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Your site has measured and recorded all waste streams generated (waste inventory) at least annually.
Refer to the Useful Resources chapter for i) information about the waste inventory examples.
See Glossary Waste Inventory

Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list all the waste streams measured and recorded on site, state:
- Name of the waste stream
- Type of waste (i.e. hazardous or non-hazardous)
- Method of tracking waste (i.e. measured, calculated, projected or estimated)
- The disposal method (e.g. reused, recycled, incinerated, sent to landfill)
- Description of the source of waste (e.g. source of the waste)
Refer to the Useful Resources chapter for more details on tools used to classify waste generated on-site (e.g. classifying recyclable from non-recyclable
wastes; hazardous from non-hazardous wastes, etc.).
Example:

FAC-6.1.2 How much solid waste is generated at your site each year? (5 points)
FAC-6.1.3 How much hazardous waste is generated at your site each year? (5 points)
1) The amount of solid waste generated (Data entered should reflect
information collected during the last full calendar year. For example, if
the current year is 2013, the total annual solid waste production period
would be January through December 2012.);
Example:
1) The amount of hazardous waste generated (Data entered should reflect
information collected during the last full calendar year. For example, if the
current year is 2013, the total annual hazardous waste production period
would be January through December 2012.);
Example:

FAC-6.1.4 How much of the waste generated is recycled instead of being disposed of each year? (5 points)
KEY DEFINITION:
RECYCLED WASTE
• Waste being recycled (or reused) within the facility
• Waste being sent to a service provider for recycling (or reuse) outside the facility
Note: The purpose of questions FAC-6.1.2, 6.1.3 and 6.1.4 is to help facilities create “baseline measurements of solid waste production/hazardous waste
production/waste recycling, identify opportunities for improvement, and track improvements over time. These data are not meant to be used by value chain
partners to compare facilities and make business decisions.
1) The amount of waste recycled (Data entered should reflect information
collected during the last full calendar year. For example, if the current
year is 2013, the total annual recycled waste period would be January
through December 2012.);
Example:

FAC-6.1.5 Does your site segregate hazardous and non-hazardous waste AND provide training to personnel on handling
and segregating waste? (7.5 points)
Your site has segregated hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Relevant staff or contractor is trained to manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste, the training shall include:
- Introduction on the use of proper tools and protective equipment when handling waste.
- Awareness on what the waste contains how to react to any incidents that may happen.
- An overview of legal requirements and the environmental consequences of poor waste handling and management.
- An overview of positive environmental benefits of waste segregation including quality control and ensuring highest value recycling options.
- An overview of legal requirements of waste handling and disposal where your facility is located
SUB-QUESTION Who conducted the last training on waste handling for your site? Please list company, name(s) and title(s).
FAC-6.1.6 Do you ban all on-site waste disposal (including landfill, incineration, waste to energy)? (Not scored) (typical
legal requirement)
Your facility has policy to ban all on-site waste disposal.
1) Date of the last training;
2) Topics covered in the training, and the personnel trained;
3) Name and title of the person (or company) that conducted the
training;
Example:
Waste Management Trainings have been conducted by factory’s environmental
officer John Tan since 2010, at staff orientation and annual training to waste
management staff.
Topics include legal requirements on waste handling, factory waste segregation
policy, hazardous waste handling procedure, spill handling, awareness training,
etc.
[Training materials presented in Waste Management Training in June 2013]

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