In collaboration with technology partner Higg, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), has released the latest version of the Higg Brand and Retail Module (BRM) which is among the five assessment tools in the Higg Index.
As a leading, holistic framework, the Higg BRM creates an industry-specific method for brands and retailers to evaluate, report on and improve Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance along their global value chains.
A major update of the tool has been invested in by the SAC which will feature updated methodology and a new assessment structure that will be underpinned by a due diligence approach. This update will encourage brands and retailers to focus on real action, impact and results.
Featuring more in-depth questions on water and circularity as key impact areas, the assessment has also added biodiversity as a new impact area. The questions have also been revised to align with best-in-class standards; for example, alignment with best-practice guidance on responsible purchasing practices.
The scoring methodology has also been simplified so that it can be shared openly with users. The Higg BRM is now easier to understand, communicate and benchmark against peers by providing one finite score out of 100 and providing score breakdowns per pillar and impact area.
Reorganised across 11 key areas and split across three pillars namely, environmental impacts, social impacts and governance, the new version of the assessment will be more relevant to where the industry needs to drive faster change.
To provide greater value for different organizations, the assessment has been restructured so that the industry’s pressing ESG issues can be prioritised and the focus can be on impacts and results. Other benefits include the reduction of reporting burden through alignment with relevant frameworks and by eliminating duplication across the entire questionnaire.
Based on research by the SAC’s Higg BRM team, the update is the result of a year’s worth of consultations and having over 75 stakeholders including members and industry experts to ensure close alignment with standard assessment protocols.
It has been developed in collaboration with members, key partner organizations including Apparel Alliance members Textile Exchange and ZDHC who contributed to the development of specific content on materials, biodiversity, circularity and chemicals.
STTI and the Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives Working Group of the Common Framework of Responsible Purchasing Practice (CFRPP), represented by Fair Wear, were also engaged by the SAC.
They provided input and feedback on the responsible purchasing practices section of the assessment. Also consulted were SAC members across all territories and three regional roundtables were hosted by the SAC to ensure all geographies were represented.
Jeremy Lardeau, Vice President, Higg Index at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said: “We are excited to release the latest version of our Higg Brand & Retail Module, which marks a major milestone for the SAC. This update is the result of an incredible level of engagement with experts and stakeholders from across the industry, to whom we are truly grateful for the time and input provided. This process has allowed us to better align with existing industry assessment frameworks, and make sure we are addressing the needs and expectations of our members and the industry at large. Our tools must evolve to continuously improve, and while this update is a step in that direction, we will continue to iterate the BRM as the industry progresses, legislation evolves and we continue to gather insights and feedback from BRM users and other stakeholders.”
Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, Director, Higg Brand & Retail, at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said: “The release of the latest version of our Higg Brand & Retail Module is a clear reflection of our mission at the SAC to transform business for exponential impact through groundbreaking tools, collaborative partnerships, and trusted leadership for industry sustainability. From the new assessment structure, to the updated methodology, we are proud of the work we have done to get to this point, we believe the latest version will provide deeper insights and value for brands and retailers and we look forward to continuing supporting them on their sustainability journeys.”
