Higg FEM 4.0 | Only verify 86 core issues? The verification score only accounts for a portion

Higg FEM 4.0 was launched in November 2023, and as a transitional year in 2024, there have been significant changes in the version. The editor has compiled key update points to help everyone better adapt to the new version and smoothly transition.

01. Higg FEM Core Issues

CY2024 validation, Higg FEM 4.0 only validated 86 core issues. The core problem set includes all infrastructure issues (part of Level 1) and additional quantitative indicator issues for energy/greenhouse gas and water use calculations.

02. The validation score of VB only accounts for a portion of the numerical value

The Higg FEM core validation will not generate a complete Higg FFM score. At present, scoring only accounts for a portion of the final result, and SAC is evaluating alternative indicators that are consistent with the proposed core validation method.

03. No longer distinguishing between chemical experts and regular validators

CY2024 validation, considering that the core validation problem set consists of problems within Level 1, ordinary validators can validate all problems without distinguishing them from chemical experts. In addition, the ability to conduct some off-site inspections will also be phased out by the end of 2023.

04. Each platform charges a platform fee of $300

For each verification, SAC will charge a platform fee of $300, and VB will inform the facility of this verification fee and include it as a sub item cost in the verification agreement signed with the facility.

Timeline

The self-assessment and validation of Higg FEM 4.0 will begin on January 1, 2024, and the timeline is shown in the following figure.

Due to the fact that the environmental performance procedures, reports, and records related to the system are based on the year 2023, in order to facilitate a smooth transition, the factory should inspect the preparation work according to Higg FEM 4.0 during the remaining time of 2023. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team.