Higg FEM 4.0 FAQ | What are the changes in validation scope and fees for CY2024

Recently, many customers have sent private messages to the editor, raising some questions about the CY2024 Higg FEM core validation. The editor has summarized and organized some common problems to help everyone better understand the new version and smoothly transition.

What is the scope of CY2024 Higg FEM core validation?

The scope of CY2024 validation will be limited to a set of core questions that meet the current Higg FEM requirements of the brand/retailer, totaling 86 questions. The core problem set includes all infrastructure issues (part of Level 1) and quantitative impact indicators (greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption).

How does Higg FEM 4.0 affect the requirements for chemical experts?

Given that the core validation question set consists of questions within Level 1, both regular validators and chemical experts can validate the core question set. It should be noted that currently only applicable during the transition period, SAC does not intend to cancel the requirements for chemical experts and will review these requirements in the coming years based on the evolution of validation.

What are the benefits of core validation methods for manufacturers?

The core validation method aims to keep manufacturers neutral in cost changes during 2024. In addition, SAC recognizes the need to clarify the clear value of using and utilizing Higg FEM programs internally for manufacturers.

What if the factory requires beyond the proposed scope of basic and quantitative issues? Will this be allowed? Does SAC intend to provide advanced facilities with complete Higg FEM 4.0 validation during 2024? If a brand requires a complete Higg FEM 4.0 validation, what methods will be adopted?

This is impossible for the validation scope of CY2024. The purpose of introducing core validation methods is to minimize cost increases, maintain the availability of validators, and address quality issues raised in past rhythms. Worldly's platform will only reflect the core issues of validation. The facility should utilize CY2024 to complete the complete Higg FEM 4.0 problem set and strive to thoroughly understand the issues before validation.

What are the changes in the verification personnel and verification fees for the CY2024 Higg FEM core verification?

SAC suggests using a standard two person daily validation duration for core problem set validation. The verification protocol outlines further specific guidance, but the verification should not exceed three person days. This will ensure that validation costs are maintained at the FEM 3.0 level, while enabling validators to focus on providing high-quality validation. Please refer to the Worldly subscription package on its website. In addition, SAC will charge a verification plan fee of $300, which will be collected through the verification agency.

What do the blue water and gray water in Higg FEM 4.0 refer to?

Blue water refers to fresh surface water and groundwater, in other words, water in freshwater lakes, rivers, and aquifers.

Blue water sources include: surface water, groundwater, municipal blue water, water, municipal water (source unknown), saline surface water/seawater, condensate water from external steam sources, and rainwater.

Grey water is water contaminated by human activities (such as industrial and/or household water sources).

Grey water sources include municipal grey water, recycled water, recycled water, treated external wastewater, and untreated external wastewater (internal treatment).

What are the commercial chemicals in Higg FEM 4.0?

Higg FEM 4.0 is consistent with the definition of commercial chemicals published in the latest ZDHC Performance InCheck guidelines, referring to a single substance or compound whose chemical structure is well-known and commonly used to create process conditions (such as acidic, alkaline, oxidizing, reducing, solubilizing conditions). They have high production, low prices, and usually do not have brand names, but their commonly used chemical names (such as acetic acid) are well-known. The chemical structure and purity of two chemicals produced by different manufacturers may be the same and can be used interchangeably. They are usually sold according to technical specifications (such as purity) and do not have unique/special properties or effects, nor do they require any scientific research during the development process. Usually, their basic chemicals may react during the process (such as sodium hydroxideor sodium bisulfite) or remain in wastewater after the process is completed (such as saltor mirabilite used for active dyeing of cotton fabrics).

What are the changes in the timeline of the CY2024 Higg FEM core validation?

The self-assessment and validation of Higg FEM 4.0 will begin on January 1, 2024, with a timeline consistent with previous years, as shown in the following figure.