HIGG INDEX VERIFICATION SERVICES

Measure and verify the environmental performance of operations in the apparel and footwear industries. In a competitive global industry, Higg Index facility module assessment and verification offers facilities an effective and demonstrable way, to differentiate themselves from peers and competitors.

www.sgs.com Developed by the Sustainable Apparel SGS SERVICES Coalition (SAC) the Higg Index is a suite At SGS, we can verify the Higg Index of self-assessment tools for apparel and assessment for apparel and footwear footwear products. It helps organisa- manufacturing facilities, using one of tions to standardise the measurement two methods: and evaluation of the environmental performance of apparel products across Desktop verification – conducted offsite the supply chain at the brand, product, by an SGS assessor and facility levels. Onsite verification – a more robust The Index asks practice-based, qualita- review, offering a higher level of trust to tive questions to gauge environmental a facility’s customers, conducted by an Higg Index verification from SGS reduces sustainability performance and drive SGS verifier who will visit the facility to duplication of effort. An independently behaviour for improvement. Verification review the assessment in situ verified score can be presented to multi- ple suppliers/customers with confidence. of a Higg Index assessment by an appro- The aim of both verification methods ved assessor increases supply chain and is for a qualified verifier to verify the It also reduces the need for additional client trust in the data derived. Higg index score of a facility and used site inspections, saving management time and money. On completion, the ve- In order to reduce audit fatigue, a in communications with suppliers and rification report will be shared by all the facility can post and share its Higg index customers, to identify strengths and verification results on an online platform weaknesses, and to help facilities to members through the Higg.org online (Higg.org) and share it with brands and define and implement an improvement platform. retailers. Only one Higg index verifica- plan. WHY CHOOSE SGS? tion is necessary, it will be recognised Higg index verification and suppliers by all SAC members, allowing factories improvement services for brands and SGS is the world’s leading inspection, to focus their efforts on the implementa- retailers includes: verification, testing and certification com- tion of improvement actions. pany. We are recognised as the global •• Training benchmark for quality and integrity. With •• Higg index verification and reporting ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY MODULE more than 80,000 employees, we opera- •• Benchmarking of the performance te a network of more than 1,650 offices Presented as a self-assessment questi- •• Definition of performance and laboratories around the world. onnaire, this tool covers seven key areas •• Improvement plan and follow up of a business’ performance: Following the Higg index verification, With a presence in nearly every single •• Environmental management system SGS experts can help the suppliers region around the globe, our experts •• Energy use and greenhouse gas determine and implement a perfor- speak the local language, understand the (GHG) emissions mance plan. Some of the supporting culture of the local market and operate •• Water use services include: globally in a consistent, reliable and cost- •• Wastewater/effluent handling effective manner. •• Energy, water, waste audits •• Emissions into the air •• Carbon footprinting •• Waste management CONTACT US •• Sustainability reporting •• Chemicals management For more information about the Higg •• Wastewatter effluent management Index, you can contact us at With support from SGS, a Higg Index •• Chemical management [email protected] or contact one of our audit is not only an opportunity to show- •• Bluefinder to source safe chemicals Supply Chain Assessments & Solutions case your success to clients and new •• Bluesign® certification desks: business leads, but also, a chance to •• Americas: grow, develop, improve and change. BENEFITS Tel: +1 973 575 5252 The assessment of your facility enables •• China: In addition to increasing trust in the Higg the identification of sustainability good Tel: +86 20 3213 6435 Index score provided by a factory using practice, opportunities for improvement •• East Asia: and risks. Working with an independent the self-assessment questionnaire, Tel: +852 2774 7450 partner, you can benchmark your set raising awareness of sustainability and •• North Europe, Middle East & up against peers and competitors, as driving continuous improvement, the Africa: well as identify education and learning scheme streamlines the process of Tel:+44 203 008 7860 requirements. We can then help you to finding new business. Importantly, SAC •• South Europe: develop a roadmap for improvement, members must accept each other’s Tel: +33 1 41 24 87 05 thereby making your services even more reports. attractive to potential customers. •• Central and East Europe: Tel: +49 40 30101 830

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