Higg.org Platform Update What to Expect: Timeline and Next Steps Sustainable Apparel Coalition 1
Higg.org Platform Transition The Sustainable Apparel Coalition will be updating the Higg Index technology platform this year. The new Higg.org will include the updated Facility Environmental Module (FEM) and Brand Environment and Social/Labor Modules (BEM & BSLM), as well as improved user experience and navigation throughout the platform. We will be updating the current platform from July 2017 through November 2017. Due to this we will need to suspend access to higg.org for most users between these months, until the new platform launches in November 2017. The following guide will cover the timeline and what to expect during this transition and will cover: The timeline for the higg.org platform update What needs to be completed before we suspend access to higg.org Instruction for facilities going through FEM verification What to expect for the re-launch of the new higg.org platform Updates coming to the new Facility Environmental Module Where to find additional information and support Please review this guide fully to ensure a smooth transition to the new and improved higg.org platform! Sustainable Apparel Coalition 2
Higg.org Platform Transition Timeline All 2016 Modules completed and posted; no additional edits Higg.org under construction; only facilities that need to upload verified modules will have access to higg.org Some training materials on new FEM module emailed to all Higg users New Higg Index platform launches! Registration period opens: All users will re-register for the new platform; invitation to register emailed Only FEM available at launch; other modules and functionality released in Q1/Q2 2018 July October December 2017 June August - Sept November Download and save all past modules by July 14 All Higg Accounts locked after July 14; access to higg.org suspended until November New registrations to higg.org suspended until November All 2016 module verification complete by Oct. 31 Full package of new FEM training materials released by end of October Registration for higg.org continues; all Higg Index users encouraged to register before the end of the year SAC Approved Trainers vetted and directory of trainers shared Sustainable Apparel Coalition 3
Please complete these steps before July 14: 1. Ensure your Higg modules are posted modules that are complete but not posted will not be migrated to the new higg.org platform Guidance how to post your module here: https://apparelcoalition.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000309071 No further edits or changes can be made to 2016 modules and no new modules can be started until the new higg.org platform launches in November 2017 2. Download and save all your Higg Module data between now and July 14 Download your own modules and your connections modules and save the data as a backup Guide on how to download module data: https://apparelcoalition.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/115000114132- Higg-org-Platform-Update Note: All posted modules will be migrated to the new higg.org platform for you, but please still save a backup of all your posted modules for your records. 3. Contact Support (support@apparelcoalition.org) if you are going through FEM module verification between now and October 31st Facilities requiring access to higg.org to upload verified module results will be granted access the platform When emailing support@apparelcoalition.org please provide the Higg Account and Profile name and Directory ID # of the facilities that are going through verification this information can be found in your Account Profile > Facility Profiles The deadline for all verification of 2016 modules is October 31, 2017 Sustainable Apparel Coalition 4
New Higg Index Platform Launching November 2017 New higg.org platform will be hosted by new technology provider: A full package of new training resources will be posted by end of October November December will focus on training all users on the new platform. All Higg users will need to re-register for the new higg.org platform starting in November 2017. Training on registration and the new platform will be provided. Your past posted modules will be migrated to the new platform, no other information will be transferred New Facility Environmental Module launching Nov 2017 New Brand Environmental & Social/Labor Modules launching Q1/Q2 2018 Sustainable Apparel Coalition
Preparing for the new FEM Sustainable Apparel Coalition 6
Reminder: Annual Higg Index Modules Reporting Timeline May 31 st = deadline to submit all modules (Brand & Facility) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Data Collection Timeframe: A Higg Index module represents sustainability performance during a calendar year 2017 data = 2017 module year Module Submission Timeframe: Additional 5 months provided to review data and fill out and post your module(s) Sustainable Apparel Coalition 7
Full Package of Resources Released with New Higg Modules Higg Index Process What This Means Higg Index Resource Provided: Why the Higg Index Matters Context: Why does sustainability matter to you as a human Why does sustainability matter to your business How the Higg Index will help you and how to prepare Online training resources In-person training: Approved trainers In-Person Forums Assessment Answer questions to assess your management practices and baseline your performance Improved Assessment and Scoring Verification Results Evaluate where you are now against where you want to be Online dashboard/benchmarking Data exports and analytics Act Understand how to improve your performance through online resources and programs with proven results Impact Knowledge Base Impact Institute Communicate (Coming soon) Share your performance B2B and B2C Communication Toolkits Sustainable Apparel Coalition 8
2017 Training Resources Training package included in launch of new higg.org (November) will include: 1. Higg Index general training (context, purpose, etc.) Online guides, videos, and presentation decks Included in monthly webinar trainings 2. Higg.org platform training (how to use the platform) Online guides and videos Monthly webinar trainings 3. Module content training Online resources, including How to Higg, guides on how to prepare for FEM, scoring methodology, etc. ZDHC chemical management training integrated into How to Higg and other training resources Monthly webinar trainings 4. In-person training opportunities Global network of third-party Approved Trainers CITA Free 1 day trainings (Shenzhen/Hong Kong) + scheduled training webinars in Mandarin 5. Ongoing support Ongoing email support (support@apparelcoalition.org) Translations: SAC is working on language translations for the higg.org online tool and How to Higg guide. The final list of language translations is still to be determined but will be shared in the coming months. Sustainable Apparel Coalition 9
What s New in FEM 3.0? Enhanced Chemicals Assessment & Training: Industry partnerships to implement chemicals improvements collectively Applicabilities: Only answer questions that are relevant to your facility type Scored Questions: Scoring framework focused on action and improvement measurement with intention Dynamic Guidance: Clearer, more comprehensive guidance for each question More Meaningful Results: Improved benchmarking and analytics within the higg.org platform Improved Online Tool: Simple, clear navigation and user-focused design Sustainable Apparel Coalition Foto cred: http://i.vimeocdn.com/ 10
Enhanced Chemicals Assessment and Training Industry partnerships to implement chemicals improvements collectively What to Expect: One set of scored questions Chemicals guidance in How to Higg Chemicals management training program and resources Sustainable Apparel Coalition 11
Applicabilities Only answer questions that are relevant to your facility type Applicability tests at the start of the module will determine which questions you need to answer in the following sections: Water Wastewater Chemicals Air Emissions You will no longer have to answer questions that are not relevant to your facility type or processes Sustainable Apparel Coalition 12
Scored Questions Oriented towards action and improvement FEM 2.0 30% of Points FEM 3.0 50% of Points on Action/Improvement Questions Do you set and review, at least annually, formal targets for reducing water use at your site? For each question we asked: Why does this drive improvement? How will data be used? Does your site understand what influences water use the most? Does your site set and targets for improving water use? Does your site set and manage an implementation plan to improve water user? Has your site demonstrated water reductions / improvements in the last calendar year? Sustainable Apparel Coalition 13
New FEM How to Higg Guide For each question guidance will include: Intent of the question Technical guidance and definitions How this will be verified Links to other supporting resources, templates, and external organizations Organized by section & level (only refer to sections that are applicable) Translated targeting 5-10 languages Offline (printable) + dynamic/searchable online version Sustainable Apparel Coalition 14
FEM 3.0 Verification Program FEM 3.0 Verification Program Organization & Individual Train the Trainer Model Verification Program Partner Technology Supporting Criteria and Vetting Organizations and Verifiers will need to meet criteria and be vetted. 5 day in person training with final exam. To scale trainings we will have a train the trainer model. Final exams will still be graded by Verification program partner. SAC will maintain master list of FEM Approved 3.0 Verifiers. Will help manage the Vetting and Approval of Organizations, Verifiers and Verifier Trainers. Quality Assurance program will be implemented and KPI s will be tracked to ensure success of the program. Verification Increased verification scheduling transparency and special verifier permissions. All connecting features still controlled by manufacturer. Sustainable Apparel Coalition 15
More Meaningful Results Improved module result views and benchmarking Understand progress in each section of the module and which sections to prioritize for improvement Benchmark against facilities similar to yours *benchmarking examples only: final benchmarking view in new higg.org platform may look different Sustainable Apparel Coalition 16
Resources to Drive Performance Improvement Impact Knowledge Base Strategic Partnerships Create an online knowledge base of performance improvement related resources that tie back to the FEM and Higg score improvement. Pilot partnerships with companies who have demonstrated performance improvement results. Pilot Launch August 2017 Launch August 2017 Sustainable Apparel Coalition 17
Preparing for 2017 Higg FEM Adoption 2017 Higg Index Adoption Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Oct 2018 2017 Modules completed and posted Updated FEM training resources shared Training webinars/events Approved Trainers + Verifiers trained/vetted FEM verifications completed Impact knowledge base available (new) FEM 3.0 launch on new technology platform Sustainable Apparel Coalition 18
Additional Resources and Support All resources related to the higg.org platform transition can be found here: https://apparelcoalition.zendesk.com/hc/enus/sections/115000114132-higg-org-platform-update If you still have questions or need to access your account to upload verified 2016 modules, please contact support@apparelcoalition.org Additional training materials and instructions on registering for the new higg.org platform will be emailed to all Higg Index users in October 2017 Sustainable Apparel Coalition 19