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![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-14-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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FAC-1.1.2 Are one or more members of management responsible for coordinating this site’s environmental management
activities? (2.5 points)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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..
Recommended content:
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-15-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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FAC-1.1.3 Does this site have a program or system for monitoring environmental regulations and permits required for
operation? (10 points)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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.)?
Recommended content:
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.
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-16-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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Recommended content:
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-18-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 2
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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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.
Recommended content:
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;
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-19-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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SUB-QUESTION How are employees being trained about your program?
SUB-QUESTION How often are management reviews of the system/program held?
Recommended content:
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]
Recommended content:
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;
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
EMS is reviewed once a year in March.
Last reviewed on 24 March 2012.
[Internal EMS review record dated 24 March 2012]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-20-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 3
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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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.
Recommended content:
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.
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-22-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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SUB-QUESTION Describe how you work with sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance across any or all relevant impact areas.
Recommended content:
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.
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-23-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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SUB-QUESTION If an audit was conducted, who conducted the audit and was it an internal or external auditor?”
Recommended content:
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;
4) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
ISO14001, 3rd party certification completed in Nov 2010 by SGS China.
[ISO14001 certification report and certification, Nov 2010]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-25-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM
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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.
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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.
Recommended content:
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-26-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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FAC-2.1.4 Does this site calculate and track, at least annually, its greenhouse gas emissions? (10 points)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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?
Recommended content:
1) Name the GHG accounting framework or guideline your site’s GHG
emissions are tracked and calculated against, noting the version used.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard Revised
Edition (Simplified Chinese)
[GHG accounting report 2011-2012]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-31-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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SUB-QUESTION What energy sources are the GHG emission calculations based on?
Recommended content:
1) State all the energy sources the GHG emissions have been calculated
based on.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Fuel for boiler use, purchased electricity, heavy oil, coal.
[GHG accounting report 2011-2012, monthly energy use and GHG
inventory]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-32-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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
Targets are at least reviewed annually.
If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must already be in place.
See Glossary Greenhouse gas emissions
Recommended content:
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)
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-35-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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?
Recommended content:
1) Month and year of energy audit(s) conducted
2) Name professional organization that has conducted the audit(s)
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Energy audit conducted in May 2010 by ERM
[ERM Energy Audit report 2010]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-37-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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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?
Recommended content:
1) List top 5 energy saving opportunities by annual saving estimated
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Steam recovery;
Use of eco-refrigerant;
Lighting retrofit;
Boiler insulation;
Boiler steam pressure regulation;
[ERM Energy Audit report 2010]
Recommended content:
1) List all the measures identified in the energy audit report that the site
has subsequently implemented.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Steam recovery and lighting retrofit
[EMS Manual 2011 p.120-124, EMS targets progress report 2012 p.10-21]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-38-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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FAC-2.3.2 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the amount of energy used for your site? (15 points)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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?
Recommended content:
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;
4) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to the
energy use reduction;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-40-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
Your site has evidence showing absolute or normalized reduction achieved in annual GHG emissions; and
The reduction is attributable to measures taken by the site.
See Glossary Greenhouse gas emissions
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.)?
Recommended content:
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;
4) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
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](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-41-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
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SUB-QUESTION Describe any greenhouse gas or carbon offsets you have purchased (quantity, offset type, vendor).
Leading Practice Survey
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)
Recommended content:
1) Quantity of greenhouse gas or carbon offset purchased
2) Type of offset purchased
3) Company from which the carbon offset is purchased
4) Reference to relevant documentation.
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.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-42-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 3: WATER USE
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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.
Recommended content:
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.
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for water 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)
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-46-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 3: WATER USE
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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?
Recommended content:
1) Name of the third party organisation or internal staff that has
conducted the audit(s).
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Yes. It was conducted by SGS Indonesia.
[SGS Water Audit report 2011]
Recommended content:
1) List top 3 water saving opportunities by annual saving estimated
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Condensate recovery for boiler feed water;
Rainwater collection for toilet flush water;
Installation of aerator at all faucets.
[SGS Water Audit report 2011]
Recommended content:
1) List all the measures identified in the water audit report that the site
has subsequently implemented.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-48-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 3: WATER USE
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 46
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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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
The reduction is attributable to measures taken by the site.
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.
Recommended content:
1) List of water reduction achievement according to:
- the location where water is captured for recycling
- the location where recycled water is used
1) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Condensate from laundry is captured and reused as feed-in water for boiler.
[EMS manual p.124-128]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-49-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 3: WATER USE
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 47
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?
Recommended content:
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)
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
1) Time period which your facility achieved water reduction;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
From 2010-2012.
[Metering records log book 2010-2012, EMS targets progress review 2012]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-50-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT
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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)?
Recommended content:
1) State the location of primary or secondary treatment.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
1) State the form of primary, secondary or tertiary treatment used
for treatment;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
1) State the name and location of off-site treatment used;
2) State the form of treatment used.
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-53-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT
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SUB-QUESTION What contaminants do you measure?
SUB-QUESTION At what frequency are they measured?
Recommended content:
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)
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
1) The frequency of wastewater quantity measurement.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-55-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT
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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:
Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
Recommended content:
1) The frequency of wastewater quality testing;
2) The name of the party conducted the testing;
3) The testing parameters used;
4) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for wastewater 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)
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-58-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 56
WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 3
FAC-4.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of improving the wastewater quality for your site? (40 points)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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:
Recommended content:
1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to
improve wastewater quality
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
COD and pH.
[Pollution Control Audit Report 2011p.19, Pollution Control Audit Report
2012 p.22]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-59-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT
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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:
Leading Practice Survey
FAC-4.3.2 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 improving wastewater quality. (Not scored)
Recommended content:
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.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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.
[Metering records log book 2010-2012, EMS targets progress review 2012]
Recommended content:
1) Time period which your facility achieved wastewater reduction;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-60-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR
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SUB-QUESTION What are your site’s main emissions to air?
Recommended content:
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.
5) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-62-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 60
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.
Recommended content:
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]
Recommended content:
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).](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-63-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 62
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.
Recommended content:
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
- 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 The Higg 2.0 web tool.
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for air emissions reduction,
state:
- Department/ person responsible for the plan
- Timeframe of the plan (e.g. 3-year)
- Year that the plan was implemented (e.g. 2013)
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-65-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 63
EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 3
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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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?
Recommended content:
1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to
improve air quality;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
NOx emitted from boiler.
[Precision Lab Air Testing Report 2012 p.2, Precision Lab Air Testing Report
2013, p.3]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-66-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR
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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?
Recommended content:
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.
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]
Recommended content:
1) Time period which your facility achieved air emissions reduction;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
3 years (2010-2013).
[EMS targets progress review 2013, p.2]
Recommended content:
1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to air
emission reduction beyond reductions resulting from reducing energy
use;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-67-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT
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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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
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)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
Your facility has policy to ban all on-site waste disposal.
Recommended content:
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;
4) Reference to relevant documentation.
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]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-73-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT
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SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress towards your site's waste reduction targets.
SUB-QUESTION Does your site have a recycling program in place to reduce waste?
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for waste 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)
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Waste reduction plan was established by the Administration Team and approved
by EMS team in January 2012. The 5-year plan guides the waste reduction of the
facility from 2010 to 2015.
[EMS targets progress review 2013]
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the recycling program in place, state:
- Year that the program was implemented
- Department/ person responsible for the plan
- Type of waste covered by the plan
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Yes, factory-wide recycling program established by Administration Team and
approved by EMS team in January 2012. The plan describes the procedure for
segregating and recycling for the following types of waste:
- Aluminium cans
- Plastic (bottle and packaging materials)
- Used chemical containers
- Paper and cardboard
- Fabric waste (from the cutting tables and defect products)
[EMS targets progress review 2013]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-76-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT
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WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 3
FAC-6.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the quantity of waste generated for your site? (40 points)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
There is evidence of absolute or normalized waste reduction for at least one of the waste streams your facility (e.g., general waste, discarded fabrics, waste
from cutting, etc.). Facility construction and demolition (C&D) waste should not be included in the normalization.
The reductions are attributable to measures taken by the site.
SUB-QUESTION Which types of waste were reduced?
Recommended content:
1) List the types of waste reduced due to measures taken at your facility
to reduce waste (i.e. the source of waste and the name of the waste
stream);
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Fabric waste from the cutting table
[Waste Disposal Record 2012 p.22, Waste Disposal Record 2013, p.22]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-77-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT
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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 waste disposed/treated?
Recommended content:
1) List of waste reduction achievement according to:
- the absolute or normalized amount of waste reduced,
- the metric for normalization (for normalized reduction),
- the baseline year and baseline waste quantity .
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Fabric waste form the cutting table reduced in 2013, compared against
2010 baseline. A 20% fabric waste/garment produced reduction was
achieved, from 10g per garment to 8g per garment.
[Waste Disposal Record 2012 p.22, Waste Disposal Record 2013, p.22]
Recommended content:
1) Time period which your facility achieved waste reduction;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
3 years (2010-2013).
[EMS targets progress review 2013, p.2]
Recommended content:
1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to waste
reduction;
2) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
The waste reduction is mainly due to installation of laser cutting machine.
Precision cutting maximize the cutting area on a fabric.
[Waste Disposal Record 2013, EMS targets progress review 2013]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-78-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 78
SUB-QUESTION What was the score from your most recent completed assessment?
SUB-QUESTION Please upload your facility’s most recent completed assessment.
Recommended content:
1) Month and year of the most recent OIA CMM assessment conducted;
2) Name of the external professional organization or internal staff who
conducted the assessment;
3) Score of the most recent completed assessment;
4) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
OIA CMM “Suppliers” indicators were assessed internally in July 2013 by Mary
Brown, EHS Manager.
The score of the completed assessment was 15.
[CMM Assessment Report]
Recommended content:
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to upload the assessment document.
Click “choose file” and choose the electronic copy of the assessment document (in excel format).](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-81-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
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SUB-QUESTION What is the name of the person in charge of this work?
Recommended content:
1) Provide the name and the position of the person in charge of chemicals
regulatory compliance;
2) Describe the responsibility of the person in charge in monitoring
compliance to chemical use regulations and compliance requirements;
3) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
Name: Praveen Parekh
Position: EHS Manager
Responsibility: Leads EHS team to conduct review of the latest chemical
regulations on annual basis, with reference to Registration, Evaluation,
Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Classification, Labelling
and Packaging (CLP) and various tools for screening followed in facility.
Continual update of Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs) based on the latest legal
and brands requirements.
[Annual Regulation Review – Chemical Section, p.5]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-83-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
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SUB-QUESTION Can you provide the names of the restricted chemical and the substitution?
Recommended content:
1) The names of the restricted chemical;
2) For each of the restricted chemical, state:
- the substitution of the restricted chemical with supporting lab test
reports;
- date of the substitution;
- CAS number for each restricted substance;
- substitution substance (where applicable).
3) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
Quinoline was identified as the restricted substance and it has been banned
for our manufacturing processes. Alternate manufacturing process has been
implemented whereby Quinoline can be phased out.
[Factory restricted substance list, p.5; Report on Chemical Use Review and
Management, p. 6-10]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-91-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
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SUB-QUESTION Please explain your achievement(s):
SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of this achievement upon request?
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the improvement measures
- If the improvement is through CMM assessment, pls. state the
improved scoring and specific sections with improvement;
- If the improvement is brought about by measures other than CMM
assessment improvement, pls. elaborate the specific project
results, and the year, month or date that the measure was
implemented.
2) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
- The CMM assessment scoring was improved from 15 to 25 marks, mainly due
to improvement in the management of restricted substances such as
monitoring of RSL update and compliance, and conducting trainings on RSL
requirements.
- Factory has reduced the limit of HCHO for direct skin contact from <75ppm
to <50ppm. Based on external consultant test report, factory has replaced
chemicals with HCHO with low-HCHO chemicals since June 2013.
[CMM assessment form dated 3-Feb-2014]
Recommended content:
1) Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer.
Example:
Screenshot from the Higg 2.0 web tool.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-93-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
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SUB-QUESTION Please describe which chemicals currently in use have been prioritized for alternatives assessment and ultimate phase out:
SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of this achievement upon request?
Recommended content:
1) List the chemicals selected and prioritized for alternatives
assessment, state:
- CAS number where applicable;
- Name of chemical ;
- Reason for selecting the chemicals;
- The substitution as identified in the alternatives assessment;
- The frameworks/guidance/standard that the alternatives
assessment is based upon;
- The collaboration partners, timeline and continual improvement
plan;
2) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
Working with AAA Apparel and ABC Chemicals, Chloroalkanes used in water
proofing materials on products were selected for an alternatives assessment
using BizNGO Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol and Bluesign®
Bluefinder. It was selected for the assessment based on the following
reasons:
- It is very persistent – the substance is under consideration for inclusion
in the Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants
- It has high bioaccumulation ability – the substance is under
consideration for inclusion in the Stockholm Convention of Persistent
Organic Pollutants
Potential substitutions identified in the assessment and the substitution will
be in place by May 2014: Antimon trioxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Acrylic
polymers
[AAA Apparel – BrightTop Textile Chemicals Alternative Assessment, p.18]
Recommended content:
Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer.
Example:
Screenshot from the Higg 2.0 web tool.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-95-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 93
Leading Practice Survey
FAC-7.3.3 Has this facility reduced the use of chemicals by the substitution of biological enzymes in any of your
processes? (Not Scored)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
Your facility has engaged with chemical suppliers and brands to choose the highest priority chemicals to be phased out and the respective chemicals for
substitutions;
Your facility has validated and committed continual improvement for the substitutions with chemical suppliers.
SUB-QUESTION What is the temperature used in the enzyme processes and how many rinses have been reduced from this substitution?
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the substitution, state:
- Any environmental Improvement brought by the measure;
- Year, month or date that the measure was implemented;
- Temperature used in the enzyme processes;
- Number of rinses that have been reduced;
2) List the chemicals that were reduced or eliminated by the use of
biological enzymes, including CAS number where applicable.
3) Reference to relevant documentation.
Example:
Enzyme (CAS: 9012-54-8) was introduced to replace chemicals at the
pretreatment process in July 2012. The temperature used in the processes is
70 °C and the number of rinse required during the enzyme process was
reduced from 2 to 1 after the substitution.
[Fabric dyeing efficiency record 2013]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-96-2048.jpg)
![HOW TO HIGG SECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 94
Leading Practice Survey
FAC-7.3.4 Has this facility reduced the use of any chemicals by recovering and reusing them (for example, with caustic
soda)? (Not Scored)
EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’:
Your facility has reduced the use of chemicals by recovering or reusing them in your manufacturing process.
SUB-QUESTION What chemicals are you recovering from which processes and where are they being reused?
Recommended content:
1) Briefly describe the improvement, state:
- The chemical(s) being recovered/reused;
- The CAS number of the chemical where applicable;
- The process where the chemical(s) is/are being recovered;
- The process where the chemical(s) is/are being reused;
2) Reference to relevant documentation
Example:
Salt from the pretreatment process has been recovered. The recovered salt
is being reused in the dyeing process, mostly in the dyeing processes
involving dark colors (e.g. black).
[Chemicals management plan 2012, p.3]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2-151223122049/75/how-to-higg-environment-english-97-2048.jpg)
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- 1. How to HiggManual 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.
- 2. HOW TO HIGG Thisguide 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
- 3. HOW TO HIGG TABLEOF 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 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 2........................................................................16 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 3........................................................................19 ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 1.........................................................................................................25 ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 2.........................................................................................................30 ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 3.........................................................................................................36 WATER USE - LEVEL 1 ...................................................................................................................................40 WATER USE - LEVEL 2 ...................................................................................................................................42 WATER USE - LEVEL 3 ...................................................................................................................................46 WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 1 ................................................................................................................49 WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 2 ................................................................................................................54 WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 3 ................................................................................................................56 EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 1 ..........................................................................................................................58 EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 2 ..........................................................................................................................61 EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 3..........................................................................................................................63 WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1....................................................................................................................66 WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 2....................................................................................................................71 WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 3....................................................................................................................74 CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1 ..............................................................................................................77 CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 2 ..............................................................................................................85 CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 3 ..............................................................................................................89 FAQ..........................................................................................................................................................95 GLOSSARY................................................................................................................................................98 UPLOADING DOCUMENTS IN THE HIGG 2.0 WEB TOOL.........................................................................105 SELF-HELP RESOURCES...........................................................................................................................107 USEFUL RESOURCES...............................................................................................................................109 ABBREVIATION LIST...............................................................................................................................114
- 4. HOW TO HIGGABOUT 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.
- 5. HOW TO HIGGHOW TO READ THIS GUIDE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 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?
- 6. HOW TO HIGGHIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 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
- 7. HOW TO HIGGHIGG INDEX: OVERVIEW GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 • 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/
- 8. HOW TO HIGGBEFORE YOU START GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 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.
- 9. HOW TO HIGGBEFORE YOU START GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 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)
- 10. HOW TO HIGGBEFORE YOU START GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 7 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
- 11. HOW TO HIGGBEFORE YOU START GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 8 FAC-2.2 Level 2 Details on targets for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, historical energy audit details. Environmental management plan 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. Environmental management plan Water audit report Water reduction plan FAC-3.3 Level 3 Details on water use reductions and measures taken. Water reduction implementation/action plan Specification/ test reports of newly installed environmental-friendly technology 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 Specification/ test reports of newly installed environmental-friendly technology 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
- 12. HOW TO HIGGBEFORE YOU START GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 9 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 Specification/ test reports of newly installed environmental-friendly technology 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
- 13. HOW TO HIGG GOTO TABLE OF CONTENTS 10 SECTION BY SECTION GUIDE
- 14. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 11 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]
- 15. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 12 FAC-1.1.2 Are one or more members of management responsible for coordinating this site’s environmental management activities? (2.5 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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.. Recommended content: 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: [email protected] • Phone number: +86 512 68990998 - Mr. Lam Chi Ping (Head of Operations) • Responsibility: oversees wastewater treatment. • Email: [email protected] • Phone number: +86 512 68990997 [EMS Organizational Chart, Cleaner Production Audit Report 2012, ch 2.1]
- 16. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 13 FAC-1.1.3 Does this site have a program or system for monitoring environmental regulations and permits required for operation? (10 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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.)? Recommended content: 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. 3) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 17. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 14 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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. Recommended content: 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.
- 18. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 15 Recommended content: 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]
- 19. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 16 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 2 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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; 3) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 20. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 17 SUB-QUESTION How are employees being trained about your program? SUB-QUESTION How often are management reviews of the system/program held? Recommended content: 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] Recommended content: 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; 3) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: EMS is reviewed once a year in March. Last reviewed on 24 March 2012. [Internal EMS review record dated 24 March 2012]
- 21. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 18 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 EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: State whether you can provide copies of your environmental strategy. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 22. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 19 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM – LEVEL 3 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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. 3) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 23. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 20 SUB-QUESTION Describe how you work with sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance across any or all relevant impact areas. Recommended content: 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. 3) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 24. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 21 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. EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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).
- 25. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 22 SUB-QUESTION If an audit was conducted, who conducted the audit and was it an internal or external auditor?” Recommended content: 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; 4) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: ISO14001, 3rd party certification completed in Nov 2010 by SGS China. [ISO14001 certification report and certification, Nov 2010]
- 26. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 23 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. EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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]
- 27. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR PROGRAM GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 24 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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
- 28. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 25 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 29. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 26 FAC-2.1.2 How much electricity does your site use each year? (5 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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 Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to fill in the following: 1) Total amount of annual electricity consumption, and; 2) The corresponding unit of measure. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 30. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 27 ? FAC-2.1.3 How much steam does your site use each year? (5 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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 Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to fill in the following: 1) Total amount of annual steam consumption, and; 2) The corresponding unit of measure. Example: Screenshot from The HIGG 2.0 web tool.
- 31. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 28 FAC-2.1.4 Does this site calculate and track, at least annually, its greenhouse gas emissions? (10 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 1) Name the GHG accounting framework or guideline your site’s GHG emissions are tracked and calculated against, noting the version used. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard Revised Edition (Simplified Chinese) [GHG accounting report 2011-2012]
- 32. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 29 SUB-QUESTION What energy sources are the GHG emission calculations based on? Recommended content: 1) State all the energy sources the GHG emissions have been calculated based on. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Fuel for boiler use, purchased electricity, heavy oil, coal. [GHG accounting report 2011-2012, monthly energy use and GHG inventory]
- 33. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 30 ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 2 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. EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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.
- 34. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 31 SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal energy reduction targets? Recommended content: 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.
- 35. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 32 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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 Targets are at least reviewed annually. If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must already be in place. See Glossary Greenhouse gas emissions Recommended content: 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) 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 36. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 33 SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal targets? Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the HIGG 2.0 web tool to list of all GHG 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 The Higg 2.0 web tool
- 37. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 34 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 1) Month and year of energy audit(s) conducted 2) Name professional organization that has conducted the audit(s) 3) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Energy audit conducted in May 2010 by ERM [ERM Energy Audit report 2010]
- 38. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 35 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? Recommended content: 1) List top 5 energy saving opportunities by annual saving estimated 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Steam recovery; Use of eco-refrigerant; Lighting retrofit; Boiler insulation; Boiler steam pressure regulation; [ERM Energy Audit report 2010] Recommended content: 1) List all the measures identified in the energy audit report that the site has subsequently implemented. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Steam recovery and lighting retrofit [EMS Manual 2011 p.120-124, EMS targets progress report 2012 p.10-21]
- 39. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 36 ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS- LEVEL 3 FAC-2.3.1 Has your site implemented any energy conservation or efficiency measures? (15 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 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
- 40. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 37 FAC-2.3.2 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the amount of energy used for your site? (15 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 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; 4) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to the energy use reduction; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 41. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 38 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your site has evidence showing absolute or normalized reduction achieved in annual GHG emissions; and The reduction is attributable to measures taken by the site. See Glossary Greenhouse gas emissions 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.)? Recommended content: 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; 4) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 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
- 42. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 2: ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 39 SUB-QUESTION Describe any greenhouse gas or carbon offsets you have purchased (quantity, offset type, vendor). Leading Practice Survey 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) Recommended content: 1) Quantity of greenhouse gas or carbon offset purchased 2) Type of offset purchased 3) Company from which the carbon offset is purchased 4) Reference to relevant documentation. 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.
- 43. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 40 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. Recommended content: 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: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 44. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 41 FAC-3.1.2 How much water do you use each year at your site? (5 points) Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the following: 1) Total amount of water use, and; 2) The corresponding unit of measure. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 45. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 42 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) • For more information, please watch a video called “Overview of Improvement Targets,” which is available on the Help tab within the web tool. EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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 Targets are at least reviewed annually. If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must already be in place.
- 46. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 43 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. Recommended content: 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. Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for water 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) 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 47. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 44 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.) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 1) Month and year of water audit(s) conducted. Example: Water audit conducted in December 2011.
- 48. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 45 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? Recommended content: 1) Name of the third party organisation or internal staff that has conducted the audit(s). 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Yes. It was conducted by SGS Indonesia. [SGS Water Audit report 2011] Recommended content: 1) List top 3 water saving opportunities by annual saving estimated 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Condensate recovery for boiler feed water; Rainwater collection for toilet flush water; Installation of aerator at all faucets. [SGS Water Audit report 2011] Recommended content: 1) List all the measures identified in the water audit report that the site has subsequently implemented. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 49. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 46 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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 The reduction is attributable to measures taken by the site. 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. Recommended content: 1) List of water reduction achievement according to: - the location where water is captured for recycling - the location where recycled water is used 1) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Condensate from laundry is captured and reused as feed-in water for boiler. [EMS manual p.124-128]
- 50. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 47 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? Recommended content: 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) 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 1) Time period which your facility achieved water reduction; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: From 2010-2012. [Metering records log book 2010-2012, EMS targets progress review 2012]
- 51. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 3: WATER USE GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 48 Leading Practice Survey FAC-3.3.2 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 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.
- 52. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 49 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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
- 53. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 50 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)? Recommended content: 1) State the location of primary or secondary treatment. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 1) State the form of primary, secondary or tertiary treatment used for treatment; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 1) State the name and location of off-site treatment used; 2) State the form of treatment used. 3) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 54. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 51 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. EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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
- 55. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 52 SUB-QUESTION What contaminants do you measure? SUB-QUESTION At what frequency are they measured? Recommended content: 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) 3) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 1) The frequency of wastewater quantity measurement. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 56. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 53 FAC- 4.1.3 What is the daily wastewater production at your site? (5 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 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: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 57. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 54 WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 2 FAC-4.2.1 Do you set and review at least annually formal targets for improving wastewater quality for your site? (30 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 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 - 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; • For more information, please watch a video called “Overview of Improvement Targets,” which is available on the Help tab within the web tool.
- 58. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 55 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: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool. Recommended content: 1) The frequency of wastewater quality testing; 2) The name of the party conducted the testing; 3) The testing parameters used; 4) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for wastewater 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) 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 59. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 56 WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT – LEVEL 3 FAC-4.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of improving the wastewater quality for your site? (40 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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: Recommended content: 1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to improve wastewater quality 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: COD and pH. [Pollution Control Audit Report 2011p.19, Pollution Control Audit Report 2012 p.22]
- 60. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 4: WASTEWATER/EFFLUENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 57 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: Leading Practice Survey FAC-4.3.2 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 improving wastewater quality. (Not scored) Recommended content: 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. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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. [Metering records log book 2010-2012, EMS targets progress review 2012] Recommended content: 1) Time period which your facility achieved wastewater reduction; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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.
- 61. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 58 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. EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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
- 62. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 59 SUB-QUESTION What are your site’s main emissions to air? Recommended content: 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. 5) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 63. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 60 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. Recommended content: 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] Recommended content: 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).
- 64. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 61 EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 2 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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. If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must already be in place.
- 65. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 62 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. Recommended content: 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 - 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 The Higg 2.0 web tool. Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for air emissions reduction, state: - Department/ person responsible for the plan - Timeframe of the plan (e.g. 3-year) - Year that the plan was implemented (e.g. 2013) 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 66. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 63 EMISSIONS TO AIR – LEVEL 3 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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? Recommended content: 1) List the pollutants reduced due to measures taken at your facility to improve air quality; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: NOx emitted from boiler. [Precision Lab Air Testing Report 2012 p.2, Precision Lab Air Testing Report 2013, p.3]
- 67. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 64 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? Recommended content: 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. 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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] Recommended content: 1) Time period which your facility achieved air emissions reduction; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: 3 years (2010-2013). [EMS targets progress review 2013, p.2] Recommended content: 1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to air emission reduction beyond reductions resulting from reducing energy use; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 68. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 5: EMISSIONS TO AIR GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 65 Leading Practice Survey FAC-5.3.2 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 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.
- 69. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 66 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. EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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
- 70. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 67 Recommended content: 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: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 71. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 68 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) Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the following: 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.); 2) The corresponding unit of measure. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool. Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the following: 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.); 2) The corresponding unit of measure. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 72. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 69 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. Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the following: 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.); 2) The corresponding unit of measure. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 73. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 70 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: 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) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has policy to ban all on-site waste disposal. Recommended content: 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; 4) Reference to relevant documentation. 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]
- 74. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 71 WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 2 FAC-6.2.1 Do you set, and review at least annually, improvement targets to reduce the quantity of waste generated for your site? (30 points) KEY DEFINITION: FORMAL TARGET FOR WASTE BY SOURCE A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s waste disposal of a particular 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. kg of waste per 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. cotton waste to be reduced by 0.2kg/garment) or a percentage (e.g. reduce by 5%); and 4) be relevant to reducing the site’s current waste disposal situation (e.g. focuses on the most significant waste stream at the site) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: There is documented formal reduction target(s) for significant waste stream (e.g., general waste, discarded fabrics, waste from cutting, 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 Targets are at least reviewed annually. If targets are newly established, the review structure and responsibility delegation must already be in place.
- 75. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 72 SUB-QUESTION What are your current formal waste reduction targets? Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to list all the waste streams measured and recorded on site, 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 - review frequency; Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 76. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 73 SUB-QUESTION Please explain the plans/strategies used to make progress towards your site's waste reduction targets. SUB-QUESTION Does your site have a recycling program in place to reduce waste? Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the plan or strategies for waste 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) 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Waste reduction plan was established by the Administration Team and approved by EMS team in January 2012. The 5-year plan guides the waste reduction of the facility from 2010 to 2015. [EMS targets progress review 2013] Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the recycling program in place, state: - Year that the program was implemented - Department/ person responsible for the plan - Type of waste covered by the plan 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Yes, factory-wide recycling program established by Administration Team and approved by EMS team in January 2012. The plan describes the procedure for segregating and recycling for the following types of waste: - Aluminium cans - Plastic (bottle and packaging materials) - Used chemical containers - Paper and cardboard - Fabric waste (from the cutting tables and defect products) [EMS targets progress review 2013]
- 77. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 74 WASTE MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 3 FAC-6.3.1 Do you have demonstrated evidence of reducing the quantity of waste generated for your site? (40 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: There is evidence of absolute or normalized waste reduction for at least one of the waste streams your facility (e.g., general waste, discarded fabrics, waste from cutting, etc.). Facility construction and demolition (C&D) waste should not be included in the normalization. The reductions are attributable to measures taken by the site. SUB-QUESTION Which types of waste were reduced? Recommended content: 1) List the types of waste reduced due to measures taken at your facility to reduce waste (i.e. the source of waste and the name of the waste stream); 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Fabric waste from the cutting table [Waste Disposal Record 2012 p.22, Waste Disposal Record 2013, p.22]
- 78. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 75 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 waste disposed/treated? Recommended content: 1) List of waste reduction achievement according to: - the absolute or normalized amount of waste reduced, - the metric for normalization (for normalized reduction), - the baseline year and baseline waste quantity . 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Fabric waste form the cutting table reduced in 2013, compared against 2010 baseline. A 20% fabric waste/garment produced reduction was achieved, from 10g per garment to 8g per garment. [Waste Disposal Record 2012 p.22, Waste Disposal Record 2013, p.22] Recommended content: 1) Time period which your facility achieved waste reduction; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: 3 years (2010-2013). [EMS targets progress review 2013, p.2] Recommended content: 1) List all measures the site has carried out that have contributed to waste reduction; 2) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: The waste reduction is mainly due to installation of laser cutting machine. Precision cutting maximize the cutting area on a fabric. [Waste Disposal Record 2013, EMS targets progress review 2013]
- 79. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 6: WASTE MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 76 Leading Practice Survey FAC-6.3.2 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 waste? (Not scored) Example: Upcycling of coal ash - Coal ash from the boiler room was reused and upcycled to bricks by the engineering team. The bricks were used to pave footpath within the facility. With this initiative, 0.7 tonnes of coal ash is being reused every month since April 2013.
- 80. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 77 CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 1 Leading Practice Survey FAC-7.1.1 Has this facility assessed its chemicals management performance using the Chemicals Management Module “Supplier” indicators? (Not Scored) KEY DEFINITION: Chemicals Management Module (CMM) • Developed by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the Chemicals Management Module (CMM) is a roadmap for companies to benchmark, establish, build, maintain and improve chemicals management processes as part of an overall corporate management system. It provides a shared strategic guide for companies in the outdoor and fashion industries — and beyond — to better manage chemicals they use to create products. (OIA) • You can download the CMM Toolkit including supplier indicators, assessment material, “know-how” guidance and glossary at: http://outdoorindustry.org/responsibility/chemicals/cmpilot.html EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has been assessed using the OIA CMM “Suppliers” indicators by an external professional organization, or internally by a competent person; You have completed the OIA CMM and an assessment score is generated.
- 81. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 78 SUB-QUESTION What was the score from your most recent completed assessment? SUB-QUESTION Please upload your facility’s most recent completed assessment. Recommended content: 1) Month and year of the most recent OIA CMM assessment conducted; 2) Name of the external professional organization or internal staff who conducted the assessment; 3) Score of the most recent completed assessment; 4) Reference to relevant documentation Example: OIA CMM “Suppliers” indicators were assessed internally in July 2013 by Mary Brown, EHS Manager. The score of the completed assessment was 15. [CMM Assessment Report] Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to upload the assessment document. Click “choose file” and choose the electronic copy of the assessment document (in excel format).
- 82. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 79 FAC-7.1.2 Does this facility systematically monitor applicable chemical use regulations on a regular basis to ensure compliance and to identify new or changing compliance requirements? (10 points) KEY DEFINITION: REGULATIONS • A variety of national laws or international initiatives such as agreements, strategies or conventions. These international initiatives define the policy of further regulations to be implemented locally as well as exposure or emission limits. The regulations how retailers, brands and facilities should manage chemicals used in manufacturing processes and in products; REGULAR BASIS • At least once annually, but more frequent monitoring (e.g. monthly or quarterly) is recommended, as regulations change or new ones may be introduced quite often. (Higg) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has a dedicated person (Management Representative, for example EHS Manager) to monitor all the chemical regulations that are applicable to the facility AND the products that are produced, including local, town/city, county/prefecture/state, national and international regulations. That person should be competent in handling the regulatory information and should receive training on chemical compliance. The monitoring records should be maintained for periodic evaluation at least annually.
- 83. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 80 SUB-QUESTION What is the name of the person in charge of this work? Recommended content: 1) Provide the name and the position of the person in charge of chemicals regulatory compliance; 2) Describe the responsibility of the person in charge in monitoring compliance to chemical use regulations and compliance requirements; 3) Reference to relevant documentation Example: Name: Praveen Parekh Position: EHS Manager Responsibility: Leads EHS team to conduct review of the latest chemical regulations on annual basis, with reference to Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) and various tools for screening followed in facility. Continual update of Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs) based on the latest legal and brands requirements. [Annual Regulation Review – Chemical Section, p.5]
- 84. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 81 FAC- 7.1.3 Does this facility have a business process to ensure compliance with all Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs) for brands it does business with? (10 points) KEY DEFINITION: BUSINESS PROCESS • A series of logically related activities or tasks (such as planning, production, or sales) performed together to produce a defined set of results. (OIA) See Glossary Restricted Substance List (RSL) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility can provide documentation about the following aspect: Your existing business process or standard operating procedure (SOP) which ensures compliance with all RSLs; If applicable, corrective action(s) taken as a result of RSL non-compliance. SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of your business process and any applicable supporting documents to ensure compliance? Recommended content: 1) Provide business process documents including but not limited to: • Process flow and chemical impacts for target products, vendor selections, purchase requirement process; environmental audit reports; corrective action plans (chemical-related sections); in- house chemicals management regulations. 2) Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool
- 85. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 82 SUB-QUESTION If applicable, can you provide documentation of any corrective action(s) taken as a result of RSL non-compliance? Recommended content: 1) Root-cause analysis report conducted by auditor (external or Internal) and the corrective actions taken. For example, corrective actions decided to avoid the occurrence of non-compliance chemicals identified out either by buyers or by third party lab on fabric. 2) Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer. Example: Screenshot from The Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 86. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 83 KEY DEFINITION: CHEMICAL INVENTORY • A list of all the chemicals in the facility used to make products, including the supplier name, the quantity and frequency of consumption. It could include information on: - Chemical ingredient information (chemical name, trade name, and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number of chemical ingredients in an article or chemical mixture, including known impurities); - Function of a chemical ingredient in an article or chemical mixture (e.g. colorant/dye, ink, special chemical attribution, catalyst, plasticizer, monomer, finishes, processing/ancillary chemical, etc.); - Process chemical information (chemical name, trade name, and CAS number of chemicals used to make a product); - Chemical hazard data, human health and eco-toxicological characteristics of chemical ingredients and chemicals used in making that ingredient, as well as their physical safety properties such as flammability; - Potential for human or environmental exposure to chemical ingredients in an article or chemical mixture; - RSL compliance (based on safety data sheet (SDS) / declaration ); - Status of RSL compliance based on the application. See Glossary Safety Data Sheet (SDS) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: A list of all the chemicals in the facility used to make products, including the supplier name, the quantity and frequency of consumption. FAC- 7.1.4 Does this facility have a documented inventory of chemicals used to make your products, and the respective supplier for each chemical? (10 points)
- 87. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 84 SUB-QUESTION Can you provide this documentation upon request? Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer Example: Screenshot from the Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 88. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 85 CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 2 FAC-7.2.1 Does this facility have an action plan to improve chemicals management performance that is reviewed and updated at least annually? (The plan should include specific, measurable, and time-bound goals and action steps to improve performance.) (25 points) KEY DEFINITION: ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT • An action plan to improve chemicals management at a facility should have specific guidelines to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and improve scores on indicators in the CMM. It could include information on: - Results of the root-cause analysis; - Measureable targets in improving chemicals management and reducing use of hazardous chemicals, with performance indicator (e.g. CMM “suppliers” indicators); - Actions to be taken and the resources needed; - Timeline (start date and end date); - Test reports or records showing the progress of targets (e.g. chemical substitution reports). EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has an action plan to improve chemicals management performance. OIA Chemicals Management Action Plan template can be downloaded at http://www.outdoorindustry.org/downloads/CMFrameworkActionPlanTemplate.docx ; The action plan is reviewed and updated at least annually. Additional guidance and information resources to support improvement can be found in the CMM “Know-How” guidance, available in the CMM toolkit upon download.
- 89. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 86 SUB-QUESTION Can you provide this action plan upon request? Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer. Example: Screenshot from the Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 90. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 87 FAC-7.2.2 Does this facility restrict chemicals used in manufacturing processes and/or residing in final product that goes beyond a list of regulated chemicals and RSLs? (5 points) KEY DEFINITION: BEYOND REGULATORY LISTS • It means to consider substances not currently on regulatory lists but which may be on lists of concern from other entities such as non-governmental organizations. (OIA) • Manufacturers may identify and restrict substances of concern that are not currently regulated, or, which are used in manufacturing processes but may not be included in a typical RSL. Substances of concern are specific substances which, for reason of increasing concern for suspected toxicity, incomplete and/or insufficient toxicity information, pending regulation, other environmental harm and/or market shift, are prioritized for one or more of the following actions: demand for sufficient relevant toxicological information, alternatives assessment, and/or target for replacement. (Higg) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has kept a list of chemicals which is not legally restricted or declared restricted by brands but have prompt chances of being toxic or substance of concern declared in some public domain; Your facility has banned the use of these chemicals in manufacturing processes. Further information about the above chemicals is available online. For example SUBSPORT (Substitution Support Portal), GreenScreen List Translator, TOXNET, PLUM (Public Library of Materials). See “Useful Resources” section for details.
- 91. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 88 SUB-QUESTION Can you provide the names of the restricted chemical and the substitution? Recommended content: 1) The names of the restricted chemical; 2) For each of the restricted chemical, state: - the substitution of the restricted chemical with supporting lab test reports; - date of the substitution; - CAS number for each restricted substance; - substitution substance (where applicable). 3) Reference to relevant documentation Example: Quinoline was identified as the restricted substance and it has been banned for our manufacturing processes. Alternate manufacturing process has been implemented whereby Quinoline can be phased out. [Factory restricted substance list, p.5; Report on Chemical Use Review and Management, p. 6-10]
- 92. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 89 CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT – LEVEL 3 FAC-7.3.1 Can this facility demonstrate evidence of chemicals management performance improvement on an annual basis through Chemicals Management Module assessment results and/ or other documentation? (30 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has demonstrated improvement in at least one of the following areas according to the CMM framework and /or other documentation; - Regulatory awareness and compliance; - Restricted substances/substances of concern; - Process and product chemicals knowledge; - Chemical hazard assessment; - Chemical safety and risk management; - Safer alternatives assessment and preferred substances; - Sustainable chemistry innovation and continuous improvement; The improvement is completed on an annual basis; The improvement has been documented (e.g. CMM assessment document) and the documents can be provided upon request.
- 93. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 90 SUB-QUESTION Please explain your achievement(s): SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of this achievement upon request? Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the improvement measures - If the improvement is through CMM assessment, pls. state the improved scoring and specific sections with improvement; - If the improvement is brought about by measures other than CMM assessment improvement, pls. elaborate the specific project results, and the year, month or date that the measure was implemented. 2) Reference to relevant documentation Example: - The CMM assessment scoring was improved from 15 to 25 marks, mainly due to improvement in the management of restricted substances such as monitoring of RSL update and compliance, and conducting trainings on RSL requirements. - Factory has reduced the limit of HCHO for direct skin contact from <75ppm to <50ppm. Based on external consultant test report, factory has replaced chemicals with HCHO with low-HCHO chemicals since June 2013. [CMM assessment form dated 3-Feb-2014] Recommended content: 1) Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer. Example: Screenshot from the Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 94. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 91 FAC-7.3.2 Does this facility collaborate with brands and chemical suppliers to prioritize and select chemicals for alternatives assessment from substances of concern and/or restricted substances lists? (10 points) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has completed a process of identifying and recording all the chemicals that are used in the production process. Within the list, those chemicals which need to be phased out (e.g. PFCs, Br FR, COC, etc.) and/or the respective chemicals for substitutions have been indicated; Your facility has engaged with chemical suppliers, brands and test labs collaboratively to review the chemical list to confirm whether any alternatives assessment is required to be conducted; Your facility has validated and committed continual improvement for the substitutions with chemical suppliers; Examples of alternatives assessment framework and guidance on chemical substitution include BizNGO’s Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol and SUBSPORT (Substitution Support Portal). See Glossary Alternatives assessment
- 95. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 92 SUB-QUESTION Please describe which chemicals currently in use have been prioritized for alternatives assessment and ultimate phase out: SUB-QUESTION Can you provide documentation of this achievement upon request? Recommended content: 1) List the chemicals selected and prioritized for alternatives assessment, state: - CAS number where applicable; - Name of chemical ; - Reason for selecting the chemicals; - The substitution as identified in the alternatives assessment; - The frameworks/guidance/standard that the alternatives assessment is based upon; - The collaboration partners, timeline and continual improvement plan; 2) Reference to relevant documentation Example: Working with AAA Apparel and ABC Chemicals, Chloroalkanes used in water proofing materials on products were selected for an alternatives assessment using BizNGO Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol and Bluesign® Bluefinder. It was selected for the assessment based on the following reasons: - It is very persistent – the substance is under consideration for inclusion in the Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants - It has high bioaccumulation ability – the substance is under consideration for inclusion in the Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants Potential substitutions identified in the assessment and the substitution will be in place by May 2014: Antimon trioxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Acrylic polymers [AAA Apparel – BrightTop Textile Chemicals Alternative Assessment, p.18] Recommended content: Follow the instruction on the Higg 2.0 web tool to fill in the answer. Example: Screenshot from the Higg 2.0 web tool.
- 96. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 93 Leading Practice Survey FAC-7.3.3 Has this facility reduced the use of chemicals by the substitution of biological enzymes in any of your processes? (Not Scored) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has engaged with chemical suppliers and brands to choose the highest priority chemicals to be phased out and the respective chemicals for substitutions; Your facility has validated and committed continual improvement for the substitutions with chemical suppliers. SUB-QUESTION What is the temperature used in the enzyme processes and how many rinses have been reduced from this substitution? Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the substitution, state: - Any environmental Improvement brought by the measure; - Year, month or date that the measure was implemented; - Temperature used in the enzyme processes; - Number of rinses that have been reduced; 2) List the chemicals that were reduced or eliminated by the use of biological enzymes, including CAS number where applicable. 3) Reference to relevant documentation. Example: Enzyme (CAS: 9012-54-8) was introduced to replace chemicals at the pretreatment process in July 2012. The temperature used in the processes is 70 °C and the number of rinse required during the enzyme process was reduced from 2 to 1 after the substitution. [Fabric dyeing efficiency record 2013]
- 97. HOW TO HIGGSECTION 7: CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 94 Leading Practice Survey FAC-7.3.4 Has this facility reduced the use of any chemicals by recovering and reusing them (for example, with caustic soda)? (Not Scored) EXPECTATIONS FOR ‘YES’: Your facility has reduced the use of chemicals by recovering or reusing them in your manufacturing process. SUB-QUESTION What chemicals are you recovering from which processes and where are they being reused? Recommended content: 1) Briefly describe the improvement, state: - The chemical(s) being recovered/reused; - The CAS number of the chemical where applicable; - The process where the chemical(s) is/are being recovered; - The process where the chemical(s) is/are being reused; 2) Reference to relevant documentation Example: Salt from the pretreatment process has been recovered. The recovered salt is being reused in the dyeing process, mostly in the dyeing processes involving dark colors (e.g. black). [Chemicals management plan 2012, p.3]
- 98. HOW TO HIGGFAQ GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 95 FAQ The FAQ section here provides answers to questions frequently asked by facilities during their completion of the Environmental Facility Module. The questions and answers below are supplementary to those provided by the SAC on the website (http://www.apparelcoalition.org/index-faqs/). OVERALL PROCESS Q. I am not sure whether I should answer Yes or No to a question. What do I do? When in doubt about whether or not you should be answering ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, it is typically best practice to take a more conservative approach and answer ‘NO.’ However, since it is a self-assessment, you are to use your best judgment in responding to the questions. We want you to be as truthful and accurate in your responses, as the purpose of using the Higg Index is to better understand your level of performance and to help you identify areas to improve. Go through the Section by Section Guide and look through the definitions and requirements to rule out any possible misinterpretations. Q. How often do I need to re-assess a site using the Higg Index? When using The Higg Index 2.0, all organizations are faced with complexities associated with the seasonality of their products and operations. It is up to each organization to determine how often the tool is used, according to a self-defined “acceptable” variance / relativity / complexity. However, it is recommended that organizations should use The Higg Index 2.0 consistently in order to evaluate, track, and monitor improvement opportunities. (SAC) Q. Who should be answering the self-assessment questionnaire on behalf of each site? Ideally, a project-lead directly involved in planning or implementation of environmental management of the site should be tasked with overseeing the completion of the self-assessment, engaging the participation of: • Staff with key subject matter knowledge, e.g. plant manager, plant engineer, environmental system manager, boiler control officer, wastewater treatment officer, EHS officer, pollution control officers etc. • Staff who has access to or who has knowledge about relevant supporting documents and data Q. If we have met the required conditions to claim yes to a question, but we cannot provide historical records of such structures, should we still respond with ‘Yes’? It is best practice to document all sustainability measures carried out. If your site does not have documentary records directly fitting the question requirements, you must be able to demonstrate the processes and activities carried out (e.g. through the job accountabilities or certain members of staff, internal communications, etc.) that supports your claim. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Q. We have standard operation procedures (SOPs) and EMS training provided to staff, does it mean we have an EMS? An EMS must have the necessary elements of: a. Environmental Policy b. Planning: environmental risk assessment, setting objectives and targets c. Implementation and operation: operational procedures; adequate training; documentation and its control d. Checking: monitoring and measurement, audit and inspections e. Management Review
- 99. HOW TO HIGGFAQ GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 96 Your site can be considered to have an EMS if you can provide evidence to show that your environmental management plan or procedures include all the necessary components. For more information, please watch a video called “How to Create an Environmental Management Systems,” which is available on the Help tab within the web tool. Q. What are formal targets? A target is a formal and measurable commitment to reduce sustainability impacts of your facility. Environmental targets must be stated in a measurable and quantifiable manner. (ISO14001:2004) A formal target must consist of: • Start date • baseline date (base year) and the relevant baseline performance (quantified), • a target date (usually by a certain year) and the target performance level (quantified reduction/ improvement) Formal targets can be absolute or normalized unless otherwise stated. For more information, please watch a video called “Overview of Improvement Targets,” which is available on the Help tab within the web tool. Q. Our management states that “we target to meet relevant local and national regulatory requirements in all environmental and social aspects,” does this count as a formal target? “Meeting regulatory requirements” on its own does not constitute a formal performance target, unless formulated in a way that is comprised of start and target date, baseline and target performance level, and is relevant to encouraging the continual performance improvement of the relevant environmental or social aspects. ENERGY USE / GREENHOUSE GAS Q. We track all sources of energy use on site. Does it mean that we have accounted for the greenhouse gas emissions of the site? Tracking all sources of energy use on site is a critical part of accounting for the site’s greenhouse gas emissions, but not the only measure. While relevant conversion factors need to be applied, the site’s energy use may only account partially to the site’s greenhouse gas emissions. Other sources of GHGs include but not limited to fugitives, direct process emissions and methane emissions associated with wastewater treatment. So if your site has not created a formal greenhouse gas inventory following a recognized methodology, the site cannot be considered to have tracked its GHG emissions. Q. When we installed new machinery, we set a project-based target that the new machine should run 5% more efficiently than the original machines. Does this count as formal energy target? Unless formulated in a way that is comprised of start and target date, baseline and target performance level, and is relevant to encouraging the continual performance improvement of the relevant environmental aspect of the site, project-based targets may not be considered as formal energy performance targets. WATER USE Q. My water use is dependent upon production and is highly variable. How can I set a realistic target for reducing water use? You can reduce the influence of periodic or demand-related fluctuations in water use by setting reduction targets that reflect average use over time and that reflect water use per unit (for example, per ton of
- 100. HOW TO HIGGFAQ GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 97 material, per piece, per $ in revenue). This means that setting a normalized target may be better suited to your needs, as it allows for change in production relative to your target. WASTEWATER/ EFFLUENTS Q. We are measuring influent volume but don’t measure effluent volume. Shouldn’t these be the same? Why do I need to measure effluent? No, these volumes are not always the same. Measuring effluent and comparing the numbers to influent will help you better manage water by identifying opportunities for improvement. There are several reasons why effluent might be different from influent. First, depending on how water is used, there can be natural loss due to evaporation. Second, there may be process water leakage that your drainage system is not capturing. Finally, there could be leakages and/or unknown discharge points in your drainage system. Monitoring both influent and effluent can help you identify these inefficiencies and hopefully save you money.
- 101. HOW TO HIGGGLOSSARY GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 98 GLOSSARY The glossary of terms provided here is compiled from the SAC, GSCP and other recognized international standards, where applicable and is intended to help you get a clear idea of the terms used by the Environmental Facility Module questionnaire. Please note that, where there may be duplications of the terms listed here and in the Section by Section Guide, the definitions in the body of text of the Section by Section Guide prevail as they are the most complete and explained in context of each question. Terms Description of terms Source Absolute reductions Reduction in actual utility consumption (e.g. energy, carbon, water) or pollution generated (e.g. wastewater pollutants, waste, and air emissions) regardless of facility size, production volumes, production hours, raw material usage or other business metrics. Higg Index Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Biological Oxygen Demand (or Biochemical Oxygen Demand) (BOD) is an indicator of the level of organic matter in the water and, hence, the rate at which oxygen in the water is used up as the organic matter is consumed by organisms in the water. Generally, the lower the BOD, the better the water/ wastewater quality. Higg Index & GSCP Certified/ Audited EMS Certification of an environmental management system or program ensures it conforms to an internationally accepted standard, such as ISO 14001. (Note that the SAC does not officially endorse any standard). Certification of the EMS may be achieved through two paths: 1. A qualified, independent third party organization audits and certifies the environmental management system or program, or 2. -Self- Certification/Declaration/Internal Audit: ONLY If allowed by the specific international standard, a site may self-certify or self- declare conformity. Adapted from Higg Index Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is an indicator of the level of organic matter and chemicals in the water and, hence, the rate at which oxygen in the water is used up as the organic matter and chemicals are consumed. Generally, the lower the COD the better the water/ wastewater quality. GSCP Domestic water Water consumed for non-industrial purposes within the facility, such as drinking water, flush water. Higg Index EMS – Environmental Management System A management system is a set of interrelated elements used to establish policy and objectives and to achieve those objectives. An environmental management system must consist of: a. Environmental Policy b. Planning: environmental risk assessment, setting objectives and targets c. Implementation and operation: operational procedures; GSCP, Higg Index based on ISO14001:200 4
- 102. HOW TO HIGGGLOSSARY GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 99 adequate training; documentation and its control d. Checking: monitoring and measurement, audit and inspections e. Management Review Environmental policy The policy describes the site’s activities, products, and services including a commitment to continual improvement and prevention of pollution, as well as a commitment to comply with legal and other requirements that relate to the significant environmental aspects identified for the site. The policy should set out the framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets. Higg Index Formal wastewater quality target A formal target here refers to a quantified performance requirement of the site’s wastewater discharge quality. A formal target must: 1) include a definite start date (i.e., "baseline") of target and the performance level (at least COD, BOD, TSS, temperature, and pH) at baseline date; 2) include an end date of the target, meaning the intended completion of the required reductions/ improvements; and 3) include an exact reduction quantity or extent, expressed in an absolute number or a percentage. 4) be relevant to improving the site’s wastewater discharge quality. Formal targets in this instance may be absolute or normalized. Absolute = total volume of wastewater discharged regardless of variables (facility size, process volumes, production hours, raw material usage, etc.) Normalized = volume of wastewater discharged relative to some relevant variable (e.g., volume of wastewater discharged per unit of production) Higg Index & GSCP Greenhouse Gas Emissions Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. The primary human activity affecting the amount and rate of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The most common GHG, regulated under the Kyoto Protocol and are usually accounted in GHG inventories, are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). A site’s GHG emissions, sometimes called ‘carbon footprint,’ refer to the amount of GHG emitted to the atmosphere as a result of the site’s activities, whether from energy use, refrigerant use and wastewater treatment or other. The scope of measuring and tracking of a site’s GHG emissions is defined by different international accounting standards like the ISO14064, GHG Protocol – A Corporate and Accounting Standard (Revised Edition), etc. Local GHG accounting requirements and standards may be available. Adapted from US EPA and GHG Protocol Monitoring framework Types of monitoring and assurance processes that a company implements to, for example, assess environmental performance. This could comprise detailed monitoring regimes to evaluate compliance with performance limits (e.g. emissions to air), a GSCP
- 103. HOW TO HIGGGLOSSARY GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 100 detailed audit process to assess compliance with, for example, the Framework Requirements, or a self-assessment questionnaire to assess improvement in performance. A detailed audit process could range from internal self-assessment inspections to detailed third party compliance audits Normalized data Normalized data includes a comparison of totals or usage data against a predefined variable (or set of variables), e.g. kWh of electricity used per employee on-site, kg of hazardous waste per unit of production etc. An organization can decide whether absolute or normalized data are going to be the most appropriate and representative data to collate/report. Within each of the performance areas discussed in this document there are examples of variables against which data can be normalized GSCP Index Normalized energy reductions ‘Normalized’ = energy used relative to some relevant variable (e.g., energy used per unit of production), as opposed to absolute energy use regardless of variables (e.g., facility size, process volumes, production hours, raw material usage, etc.) Changes to the season/ambient temperature, processes, process volumes, duration of production runs, changes in personnel numbers etc. can all influence energy consumed. As such, examples of variables against which to normalize energy use/reduction may be: units/volume of production, headcount, production hours, unit use of a raw material etc. Higg Index & GSCP Normalized reductions Reduction in actual utility consumption (e.g. energy, carbon, water)/pollution generated (e.g. wastewater pollutants, waste, air emissions) that has been normalized to a business metric (e.g. units or mass of production, unit revenue, unit gross sales, unit turnover, full-time employee equivalent, square foot) when compared to normalized utility/pollution generated in a base year. To calculate a normalized value, measure utility/pollution generated in a given time period and divide by the chosen business metric. For example, a normalized waste generation can be calculated as follows: 10,000 kg waste ÷ 5,000 garments = 2kg waste/garment. Higg Index Overarching environmental strategy (of Environmental management system) The Environmental Strategy for the site includes all environmental aspects and impacts over which the organization can exert (at least some) control or influence, both up and down the supply chain. The Environmental Strategy is focused on environmental performance improvement, rather than solely managing existing aspects and impacts and requires the assessment of alternative processes, products and services, to reduce the site’s overall environmental impact. Higg Index & GSCP Primary water sources Water sources include: • Drinking water supplied directly by the municipal sources; • Non-drinking water supplied directly by the municipal sources; • Groundwater; • Surface water (river, stream, lake, pond, etc.); Higg Index
- 104. HOW TO HIGGGLOSSARY GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 101 • Diverted surface water (river, stream, etc.); • Rooftop capture; • Collected rainwater; • Recycled “grey water” And possibly others. Your site’s primary water sources here refer to sources which supply the most significant amount of your site’s water use. In this context, water from all uses should be considered (e.g., domestic/dormitories and industrial). Process water Water consumed for industrial purposes, such as laundry, finishing or feed-in water for boiler. Higg Index Recycled / Reclaimed water The term recycled water is generally used synonymously with reclaimed water. Recycled/reclaimed water came from treated wastewater which is reused for beneficial purposes such as industrial processes , toilet flushing, etc. USEPA Renewable energy This relates to energy generated by a renewable source (i.e. source which is not depleted or used up as it is naturally replenished. Renewable sources can either be managed so that they last forever, or so that their supply is not significantly impacted. Unlike fossil fuels, most renewable energy sources do not release carbon dioxide and other air pollutants as by-products into the atmosphere. As the amount of fossil fuel resources on Earth decreases, it is becoming increasingly important to find and utilize renewable energy sources. Examples include: solar, biofuels, wind, hydro-electric, geothermal, tidal and wave. GSCP Stakeholders (internal and external) Stakeholders are defined broadly as those groups or individuals: (a) that can reasonably be expected to be significantly affected by the organization’s activities, products, and/or services; or (b) whose actions can reasonably be expected to affect the ability of the organization to successfully implement its strategies and achieve its objectives. Internal stakeholders can include (but not necessarily be limited to): site workers (employees and contractors,) management, the Board, non-executive directors. External stakeholders can include (but not necessarily be limited to): shareholders, trade unions, other financial backers (private equity house, venture capitalist etc.), regulators, customers, suppliers, non-governmental organizations, the local community etc. GRI G3 2001 Higg Index Suppliers or sub-contractors Production suppliers and sub-contractors providing services or materials upstream in the supply chain that are utilized in the facility. This does not include contractors such as recyclers, cleaners, etc. in your facility. Higg Index Environmental A detailed performance requirement (quantified where possible and applicable to all or parts of the organization), that arises from GSCP
- 105. HOW TO HIGGGLOSSARY GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 102 target the setting of environmental objectives and which needs to be set and met in order to achieve those objectives. “A specific task in the achievement of an environmental objective. Environmental targets must be stated in a measurable and quantifiable manner.” ISO14001:2004 Targets can be based on absolute data or normalized data, unless otherwise stated. Wastewater Wastewater may be generated from: • process (or “trade”) effluents arising from various stages of an industrial, agricultural, or commercial process; • cooling wastewater or other non-contact wastewater (e.g., flushing chillies); • blow-down (e.g., from compressors, boilers); • stormwater run-off (sometimes referred to as surface water run-off) from roofs, hardstanding areas, yards, car parks, vegetated areas, etc.); • firewater; • sanitary/ domestic wastewater (e.g., from toilets, sinks etc.) This would include all manufacturing and/or commercial activities within the facility site’s footprint, such as industrial processing, lubrication, cooling, maintenance, cleaning, and domestic use, as well as wastewater/effluent from dormitories (e.g., bathrooms, showers, kitchens.) Higg Index Wastewater quality Wastewater quality may be measured using many factors, such as suspended solids, reduced biological oxygen demand (BOD) or chemical oxygen demand (COD), metals content, oil/grease content, temperature, pH, etc. Wastewater quality can be improved through reducing strength/concentration of contamination at the source of generation and should be considered top priority, before targeting to reduce wastewater volume. Wastewater treatment volume and quality are tightly linked. It is important to not focus solely on one without understanding how it affects the others. 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. Wastewater generation should be compared between fixed periods so that unusual patterns in generation can be identified. Higg Index Wastewater/ Effluent treatment The treatment here refers to processes through which the quality of the wastewater discharged on or from the site must meet applicable regulatory requirements or WQGs and be at a level that does not adversely affect the environment or the receiving infrastructure (drains, treatment plant, vehicle, etc.) as dictated by regulations or receiving facility limits. Primary treatment methods can include clarification where solids settle, oil and grease float. Higg Index
- 106. HOW TO HIGGGLOSSARY GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 103 Secondary treatment methods can include degradation of organic content with aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment. Tertiary treatment can be additional methods to further improve water quality (may include disinfection or nutrient removal, for example.) Air emission inventory An inventory of emissions to air is a detailed list of the emissions and their sources, it should include the following information for each emission source: - the pollutants known or likely to be present; - the quantity emitted (if known or estimated); - the location of, for example, the stack, vent etc.; - any control devices (e.g. abatement equipment) installed; - frequency of monitoring; and - whether the particular emission is legally regulated. Higg Index Waste inventory A waste inventory records information of all waste stream generated on-site, it could include information on: - nature of the waste (hazardous/non-hazardous); - its source (e.g. process, area); - the physical form of the waste (solid, liquid etc.); - formal classification code (if applicable); - specific handling/ storage arrangements; - the quantity of waste disposed of/treated; - the disposal/treatment method (biological, chemical, physical), - including any on-site treatment; - details of waste contractors used; and - disposal/treatment route (recycled, landfill, incineration) Higg Index & GSCP Alternative assessment It is a process for identifying alternatives (chemical or non- chemical) to a chemical of concern, screening out equally or more hazardous alternatives, and selecting an alternative that is technically and economically viable and does not have the potential for causing significant environmental or human health impacts. Examples of alternative assessment tools can be found in “Useful Resources”. OIA - Chemicals Management Framework Glossary Restricted Substance List (RSL) A list, compiled by a business, trade group or other organization, of chemicals (aka chemical substances) to be actively managed and informed on. An RSL may contain chemicals for controlled use, targeted for elimination/substitution, and those that may be totally banned or may be regulated. (e.g., American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) RSL) OIA - Chemicals Management Framework Glossary Safety data SDS (also called material safety data sheet (MSDS) or production safety data sheet (PSDS)) is an important component of product Higg Index
- 107. HOW TO HIGGGLOSSARY GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 104 sheet (SDS) stewardship and occupational safety and health. It is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with a substance in a safe manner, and should include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill- handling procedures.
- 108. HOW TO HIGGUPLOADING FILES ON HIGG WEB TOOL GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 105 UPLOADING DOCUMENTS IN THE HIGG 2.0 WEB TOOL Three questions under the Environmental Facility Module (FAC 1.3.2, 5.1.2, 7.1.1) require facilities to upload supporting documents in the web tool. In addition, facilities can opt to upload a complete Validation form1 in the web tool to enable their connections to view the validation status of the facilities’ self-assessment. Please note that you can only upload 1 file per answer. If you have more than one file, you can consolidate the files in a compressed file. Uploading documents and validation form in The Higg 2.0 web tool is easy. Follow the steps below: Uploading documents for self-assessment questions Select “Choose File” icon when you are requested to upload a document. After selecting the relevant document, the document name will be shown next to the “Choose File” icon. Please save your answer by selecting “Save Page” at the bottom of the page. 1 Currently, The Higg Index 2.0 is a self-assessment tool that does not require verified data, unless organizations choose to conduct additional verification on their own. “Higg Index 2.0 - Environment Facilities Module Validation” form is available for download in the web tool with a goal to assist facilities to provide assurance of accurate answers and scores while balancing quantity of documents requested from facilities and intensity of phone interviews.
- 109. HOW TO HIGGUPLOADING FILES ON HIGG WEB TOOL GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 106 Uploading Validation form Please select the status next to “Validation Status” icon in the panel of the “Module Completion” page. A “Module Status” dialogue displays to indicate your facility’s validation status. Download Validation Template for completion and then upload the complete form. Please note the validation form upload activates only when you have posted your self-assessment in the web tool system.
- 110. HOW TO HIGGSELF-HELP RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 107 SELF-HELP RESOURCES Here is a list of training materials which enables facilities to learn more about the Higg Index, improve capabilities in answering the Higg questions and enhance understanding of environmental management systems (e.g. target setting) in general. The training materials are available at the “Help” section of The Higg 2.0 web tool at https://higg.summitenergy.com/Help/Help.aspx. 1. Higg Index – Introduction Introduction to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) & Higg Index Provides an introduction of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and an overview of the objectives of Higg Index. Available in English, Chinese (Tradition and Simplified), Vietnamese and Sanskrit. Changes from the Higg Index 1.0 to 2.0 Provides an overview of the major changes between Higg versions 1.0 and 2.0, with a focus on the new web tool. Overview of the Environmental Facility Module Provides an overview of the Environmental Facility Module, and discuss topics such as scoring methodology. 2. Environmental management Overview of Improvement Targets Training on how to set up formal environmental targets on various environmental aspects in Higg Index (e.g. energy, water).
- 111. HOW TO HIGGSELF-HELP RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 108 Overview of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Provides an introduction on greenhouse gas and the basic principles of greenhouse gas accounting. How to Create an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Provide guidance on how to set up a proper EMS for a facility. Establish a Proactive Chemicals Management (CM) Strategy with the CM Framework Provide an overview of the Chemical Management Modules, which is now part of The Higg Index Section 7 – Chemicals Management. Link: http://www.outdoorindustry.org/education/ou.php?action=detail&event_id=440&category_id
- 112. HOW TO HIGGUSEFUL RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 109 USEFUL RESOURCES By and about the SAC Higg Index: Overview of the Higg Index http://www.apparelcoalition.org/higgoverview/ FAQs about the Higg Index http://www.apparelcoalition.org/index-faqs/ SAC’s training webinars and materials http://www.apparelcoalition.org/training/ GSCP Environmental Implementation Guidelines http://www.gscpnet.com/working-plan/environmental-module.html About Environmental Management Systems: ISO14000 - Environmental management http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso14000.htm Hong Kong EPD’s Simple Guide to Set up an EMS http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/how_help/tools_ems/ems.html The Environmental Technology Best Practice Program Guide “HOW TO SET UP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY” http://www.c2p2online.com/documents/EMS-textiles.pdf A Sample Internal EMS Audit report by the US EPA against ISO-14001 and EPA’s audit protocols http://www.epa.gov/region07/ems/pdf/ems_audit_report.pdf US EPA’s Guide to EMS http://www.epa.gov/ems/ About Energy Management: US NRDC’s 10 Best Practices for Textile Mills to Save Money and Reduce Pollution (also relevant for reducing water use) http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/rsifullguide.pdf • Best Practices Focus on Bangladesh: http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/cbd-textile-mills-best-practices-bangladesh.pdf • Standout Practices in High-performing Bangladesh Mills: http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/cbd-textile-mills-standout-practices- bangladesh.pdf US EnergyStar’s Energy Efficiency Guidebook for the Textile Industry http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/industry/downloads/EE_Guidebook_for_Textile_industry.pdf (Opportunities from Chapter 5 onwards – p.13)
- 113. HOW TO HIGGUSEFUL RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 110 Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)’s Energy Management Handbook http://www.bsr.org/reports/bsr-energy-management-handbook.pdf China Energy Management Policies (National and Regional) http://www.bsr.org/en/our-projects/energy-management-china/policies BSR’s compilation of general technical guidance (in Chinese) http://www.bsr.org/en/our-projects/energy-management-china/references The ISO50001 Energy Management Standard http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso50001.htm About Energy Target Setting: You may refer to ISO50001 documentations, but also - A Practitioner Guide to Implementing ISO50001 http://home.comcast.net/~aeeilliana/Presentations/ISO50001PG.pdf About Greenhouse Gas Accounting: International Organization for Standardization (2006): ISO 14064 – part 1: Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=38381 Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard for Accounting and Reporting (multiple languages versions available) http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard Greenhouse Gas Protocol Calculation Tools (Cross Sector Tools, unless textiles and apparels sectors tool become available) and Guidance http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s 2012 GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting (xlsx tool) http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/2012/05/30/pb13773-2012-ghg-conversion/ 2012 Baseline Emission Factors for Regional Power Grids in China http://cdm.ccchina.gov.cn/WebSite/CDM/UpFile/File2975.pdf
- 114. HOW TO HIGGUSEFUL RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 111 About Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target Setting: Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard Chapter 11: Setting a GHG Target (p.74-85) http://www.ghgprotocol.org/files/ghgp/public/ghg-protocol-revised.pdf About Water and Wastewater Management: Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)’s analysis on Water Management in China’s Apparel and Textile Factories http://www.bsr.org/reports/ChinaWater_IssueBrief_042908.pdf BSR’s Sustainable Water Group (SWG) – Water Quality Guidelines (WQGs) http://www.bsr.org/reports/awqwg/BSR_AWQWG_Guidelines-Testing-Standards.pdf European Commission. Reference Document on Best Available Techniques for the Textile Industry (BREF), 2003. http://eippcb.jrc.es/reference/BREF/txt_bref_0703.pdf USEPA. EPA-600/4-79-020. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, 1983 http://yosemite.epa.gov/water/owrccatalog.nsf/1ffc8769fdecb48085256ad3006f39fa/f995d73aff8660008 5256b0600724015!OpenDocument Water quality monitoring: a practical guide to the design and implementation of freshwater quality studies and monitoring programs Bartram, J. and Ballance, R., ed. Published on behalf of UNEP and WHO. London, E & FN Spon, 1996. Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resources/wqmonitor/en/index.html World Bank Group. Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Textile Manufacturing http://www1.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/2a66470048865981b96efb6a6515bb18/Final%2B- %2BTextiles%2BManufacturing.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&id=1323162617789 World Health Organization. Water Quality Assessments - A Guide to Use of Biota, Sediments and Water in Environmental Monitoring, 2nd edition, 1996 http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resourcesquality/wqabegin.pdf About Air Emissions Management: Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations Environmental Programme. Information on Ozone Depleting Substances http://ozone.unep.org/new_site/en/montreal_protocol.php USEPA. Air Pollution Monitoring http://www.epa.gov/airquality/montring.html#hazardous Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the United Kingdom. Process Guidance Note 6/08(11). Statutory guidance for textile and fabric finishing and coating http://www.defra.gov.uk/industrial-emissions/files/6_08-Final-June-2013.pdf
- 115. HOW TO HIGGUSEFUL RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 112 About Waste Management: USEPA. Waste Identification Process - 40 CFR 262.11. http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/wastetypes/wasteid/index.htm USEPA. Definition of Solid Waste Tool v2. http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/tool.htm Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP). Environmental Implementation Guidelines – example of waste inventory, P.36 http://www.gscpnet.com/working-plan/environmental-module/116.html About Chemicals Management: Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Chemicals Management Module (CMM) Chemicals Management Module Toolkit (includes introductory document, assessment form for Chemicals Management Module, glossary, list of indicators, and “know-how” guidance) http://www.outdoorindustry.org/responsibility/chemicals/ Chemicals Management Module Action Plan Template http://www.outdoorindustry.org/downloads/CMFrameworkActionPlanTemplate.docx Chemicals Management Module Introductory Webinar http://www.outdoorindustry.org/education/ou.php?action=detail&event_id=440&category_id= Toxic substance of concern Substitution Support Portal – SUBSPORT http://www.subsport.eu/case-stories-database GreenScreen List Translator http://www.greenscreenchemicals.org/method/greenscreen-list-translator TOXNET - Databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/ PLUM (Public Library of Materials) http://bcgc.berkeley.edu/chemical-information-systems Alternatives Assessment The Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) – Alternatives Assessment Guidance Document http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/chemalternatives/altAssessment.html BizNGO’s Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol http://www.bizngo.org/alternatives-assessment/chemical-alternatives-assessment-protocol Lowell Center Alternatives Assessment Framework http://www.chemicalspolicy.org/alternativesassessment.lowellcenter.php
- 116. HOW TO HIGGUSEFUL RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 113 Other relevant organizations and news related to chemicals and RSL management American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Restricted Substances List https://www.wewear.org/industry-resources/restricted-substances-list/ Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group (AFIRM) (provides resources, guidance and toolkits related to RSL implementation across the footwear and apparel supply chain) http://www.afirm-group.com/ Chemical Watch – Global Risk and Regulation News http://chemicalwatch.com/ European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) (provides guidance documents related to implementation of REACH, CLP and the biocides legislation) http://guidance.echa.europa.eu/guidance_en.htm Roadmap to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) http://www.roadmaptozero.com/ You can also refer to different apparel and footwear brands’ website for specific RSLs.
- 117. HOW TO HIGGUSEFUL RESOURCES GO TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 114 ABBREVIATION LIST AAFA American Apparel and Footwear Association BOD Biological oxygen demand Btu British thermal unit CAR Corrective action request CAS Chemical Abstracts Service CLP Classification, Labelling and Packaging CMM Chemicals Management Module CO Carbon monoxide CO2 Carbon dioxide CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent COD Chemical oxygen demand COD Chemical oxygen demand EHS Environmental, health & safety EMS Environmental management system EPA Environmental Protection Agency GHG Greenhouse gas GRI Global Reporting Initiative GSCP Global Social Compliance Program ICRA International Registration of Certified Auditors IEMA Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment ISO International Organization for Standardization MJ Mega joule MSDS Material safety data sheet NOx Nitrogen oxides NRDC National Resources Defense Council ODSs Ozone Depleting Substances OIA Outdoor Industry Association PCO Pollution control officer PLUM Public Library of Materials PM Particulate matter PSDS Production safety data sheet REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals RSL Restricted substance list SAC Sustainable Apparel Coalition SAH Standard allowable hour SDS Safety data sheet SO2 Sulfur oxides SOP Standard operating procedure SUBSPORT Substitution Support Portal thm British therm TSP Total suspended particulate TSS Total suspended solid VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds ZDHC Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals