Environment – Water – User Resources: How To Higg

BRM2022 How To Higg Guide

Water

The Water section asks questions about your company’s approach to identifying, measuring and addressing water impacts throughout the value chain, with particular focus on water scarcity and water quality.

Important disclaimer:

Please note that there are no applicabilities in the questionnaire, this means that even if a user answers “no” to a question, the follow up questions will still apply to the user and result in a point loss. In particular, if you answered “no/none” to the questions in this section asking if targets have been formally set and approved for a specific impact and/or topic area, the N/A answer option is not available for the related questions asking whether annual milestone targets have been met and whether those have been publicly reported, and you must answer “no”.

EWT01. Does your company measure or estimate its impacts on water scarcity in the following value chain stages? (Select all that apply OR None)

About this question

Water scarcity is a condition where water demand is greater than supply. This question asks if your company´s impact is measured or estimated through a “blue water footprint” or water withdrawals and consumption across different value chain stages.

Select one or more of the listed tiers where you can provide evidence that your company has measured or estimated its impacts on water scarcity
Select none if no impacts on water scarcity are calculated by your company

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MQ.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.MQ.r (For: Retailer)

EWT02. Does your company measure or estimate its impacts on water quality in the following value chain stages? (Select all that apply OR None)

About this question

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical and biological, characteristics of water that determine its suitability for a particular use. This includes parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, temperature, nutrients, bacteria, viruses, metals, pesticides, and other pollutants that can affect water’s taste, odor, color, and overall health.

This question asks if your company´s impact is measured or estimated across different value chain stages.

Select one or more of the listed tiers where you can provide evidence that your company has measured or estimated its impacts on water quality
Select none if no impacts on water quality are calculated by your company

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.Mg.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.Mg.r (For: Retailer)

EWT03. Has your company formally set and approved targets to reduce its impacts on water scarcity? (Select all that apply OR None)

About this question

Targets and indicators are critical as they establish and maintain effective practices throughout a company. This question seeks to understand if a company has established specific and approved targets towards water conservation.

To drive effective progress, targets should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Targets should be approved by the company’s senior management, and relevant employees should be accountable for the monitoring and achievement of KPIs.

This question explores what areas of your value chain stages have approved targets to reduce water scarcity.

Select one or more of the listed tiers if you can provide evidence that your company has formally set and approved targets to reduce water scarcity
Select none if there are no formal targets in place to reduce water scarcity in any of the tiers listed

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.Mw.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.Mw.r (For: Retailer)

EWT04. Has your company formally set and approved targets to reduce its impacts on water quality? (Select all that apply OR None)

About this question

This question asks what areas of your value chain have approved targets to improve water quality.

Select one or more of the listed tiers if you can provide evidence that your company has formally set and approved targets to improve water quality
Select none if there are no formal targets in place to improve water quality in any of the tiers listed

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.NA.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.NA.r (For: Retailer)

EWT05. Do your targets specifically take into account the local water scarcity and quality context?

About this question

As water is a highly regional issue, this question looks to check if your company’s efforts regarding water scarcity and quality are tied to local hydrological and/or scientific data.

Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company’s targets specifically take into account the local water scarcity and quality context
Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company’s targets specifically take into account the local water scarcity and quality context

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.NQ

EWT06. Did your company implement an improvement program or strategy to achieve its water scarcity targets? (Select all that apply OR None)

About this question

Water scarcity is a condition where water demand is greater than supply. This question looks at what programs your company has implemented to address this issue. For a program or strategy to qualify for a Yes response, your organization must have formal accountability mechanisms, with a dedicated budget, and specific initiatives with documented evidence and timelines to achieve progress targets.

Select one or more of the listed tiers if can provide evidence that your company has implemented a strategic plan, initiative or program to achieve its targets
Select none if your company has not implemented a plan or program for any of these targets

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.Ng.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.Ng.r (For: Retailer)

EWT07. Did your company implement an improvement program or strategy to achieve its water quality targets? (Select all that apply OR None)

About this question

Water quality is a critical aspect of public health, environmental protection, and economic development, as it affects the availability, accessibility, and sustainability of water resources for human consumption, agricultural irrigation, industrial processes, and aquatic ecosystems.

Select one or more of the listed tiers if can provide evidence that your company has implemented a strategic plan, initiative or program to achieve its targets
Select none if your company has not implemented a plan or program for any of these targets

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.Nw.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.Nw.r (For: Retailer)

EWT08. Which of the following initiatives did your company implement in its program or strategy to reduce water impacts in its owned and/or operated facilities? (Select yes, partial yes or no per each of the initiatives presented)

About this question

Water conservation efforts should not overlook the company’s own operations.

This question asks what water use efficiency measures are included in your company´s program. These initiatives can be part of a building certification scheme, for example.

For each of the answer options, answer yes if at least 80%:

of your own operation are covered by water use efficiency measures
of your buildings/operations are certified to a relevant standard

For each of the answer options, answer partial yes if at least 50%:

of your own operation are covered by water use efficiency measures
of your buildings/operations are certified to a relevant standard

For each of the answer options, answer no if less than 50%:

of your own operation are covered by water use efficiency measures
of your buildings/operations are certified to a relevant standard

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.OA.header, ewt.OA.1, ewt.OA.2

EWT09. Which of the following Tier 1 initiatives did your company implement in its program or strategy to reduce water impacts? (Select yes, partial yes or no per each of the initiatives presented)

About this question

The numerous workers in Tier 1 means significant amounts of domestic water use and domestic wastewater discharge. In addition, some wet processing of garments may happen in Tier 1, leading to process water use and wastewater discharge.

This question looks to establish what initiatives your company has specifically carried out in Tier 1 to reduce its water impacts.

For facilities engagement in water use measurement and target-setting:

Answer yes if at least 80% of tier 1 facilities by business volume or by water use are engaged
Answer partial yes if at least 50% of tier 1 facilities by business volume or by water use are engaged
Answer no if less than 50% of tier 1 facilities by business volume or by water use are engaged

Facilities supported through financing, capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and/or access to resources:

Answer yes if at least 80% of Tier 1 facilities by business volume or by water use, either directly supported through company resources, or through collective action programs to which the company contributes are supported
Answer partial yes if at least 50% of Tier 1 facilities by business volume or by water use, either directly supported through company resources, or through collective action programs to which the company contributes are supported
Answer no if less than 50% Tier 1 facilities by business volume or by water use, either directly supported through company resources, or through collective action programs to which the company contributes are supported

Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.OQ.b.header, ewt.OQ.b.1, ewt.OQ.b.2

EWT10. Which of the following Tier 2 initiatives did your company implement in its program or strategy to reduce water impacts? (Select yes, partial yes or no per each of the initiatives presented)

About this question

Tier 2 represents a hotspot for water impacts as textile wet processing and leather tanning are water intensive and can generate significant amounts of effluent contamination. Company initiatives start with supplier engagement and support, but also cover sourcing, design and development measures that can drive lower impacts.

This question looks to establish how comprehensive your initiatives are.

For each of the answer options, answer yes if at least 80%:

of Tier 2 facilities are engaged in water use measurement and target-setting
of Tier 2 facilities are supported through financing, capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and/or access to resources
of Tier 2 facilities implement water efficiency measures
of product sourcing, design and development has measures that reduce tier 2 water impacts
of process water recycling

For each of the answer options, answer partial yes if at least 50%:

of Tier 2 facilities are engaged in water use measurement and target-setting
of Tier 2 facilities are supported through financing, capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and/or access to resources
of Tier 2 facilities implement water efficiency measures
of product sourcing, design and development has measures that reduce tier 2 water impacts
of process water recycling

For each of the answer options, answer no if less than 50%:

of Tier 2 facilities are engaged in water use measurement and target-setting
of Tier 2 facilities are supported through financing, capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and/or access to resources
of Tier 2 facilities implement water efficiency measures
of product sourcing, design and development has measures that reduce tier 2 water impacts
of process water recycling

Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MTA.b.header, ewt.MTA.b.1, ewt.MTA.b.2, ewt.MTA.b.3, ewt.MTA.b.4, ewt.MTA.b.5

EWT11. Tier 4 initiatives: what percentage of your water-intensive fibers or raw materials use did demonstrably lower water impacts (e.g., covered by verified third-party standards)?

About this question

Tier 4 represents a hotspot for water impacts, particularly linked to cotton farming. This question asks what percentage of your water-intense fibers and raw materials use is demonstrably lower water impact.

Select the percentage range that corresponds to the proportion of your total use of lower water impact fibers and raw materials
Select unknown if your company is unable to provide a precise percentage, or if the percentage is unknown

Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MTE.b

EWT12. Did your company meet its annual milestone targets for the reduction of its water impacts? (Select yes, partial yes or no per each of the value chain stages presented)

About this question

For companies with multi-year targets, annual milestone targets (i.e., interim targets for each year between the baseline and the target year) ensure there is adequate and realistic planning towards achieving the overall target.

For each of the tiers:

Answer yes if you can provide evidence that 100% of your company annual milestone targets have been fully met
Answer partial yes if you can provide evidence that at least 50% of your company annual milestone targets have been fully met
Answer no if less than 50% of your company annual milestone targets have been fully met

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MTI.b.header, ewt.MTI.b.1, ewt.MTI.b.2, ewt.MTI.b.3, ewt.MTI.b.4 (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.MTI.r.header, ewt.MTI.r.1, ewt.MTI.r.2, ewt.MTI.r.3, ewt.MTI.r.4 (For: Retailer)

EWT13. Did your company report publicly on its water targets and progress? (Select all that apply OR None)

About this question

Reporting publicly on your company’s efforts and progress on achieving targets to protect water resources is an indicator of commitment, accountability and transparency towards stakeholders. This question asks whether your company has reported publicly on its targets and progress in relation to addressing water scarcity and quality issues using reporting platforms or standards such as GRI or CEO Water Mandate.

Select one or more water related topics for which you can provide evidence that your company has reported publicly on its targets and progress
Select none if you are unable to provide evidence of public reporting

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MTM

EWT14. Did your company consult with relevant stakeholders as part of the development of its water impacts reduction program or strategy?

About this question

A company’s water impacts within the textile, apparel and footwear sector sit predominantly within the supply chain. Stakeholder consultation is considered essential when establishing a company’s water strategy. Stakeholder engagement is the process of identifying, analyzing, planning and engaging with individuals, and groups that are affected by a company’s activities. Engaging with stakeholders is a core element of good governance. Stakeholders can be internal (employees) or external (suppliers, communities affected by the company’s activities, NGOs, local entities or authorities, governments, etc.).

This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate active stakeholder engagement as part of your company’s approach in the development of your water programs or strategies.

Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company engaged with stakeholders as part of the development and implementation of its water impacts reduction strategies or programs
Answer no if your company did not engage with stakeholders in relation to its water impacts reduction strategies or programs, or if you cannot provide evidence of stakeholder engagement

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MTQ

EWT15. Did your company have any specific partnerships, agreements or initiatives with stakeholders, value chain partners or local entities to address water impacts across the value chain?

About this question

This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate active stakeholder engagement as part of your company’s approach in the development of your water programs or strategies.

Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company engaged with stakeholders as part of the development and implementation of its water impacts reduction strategies or programs
Answer no if your company did not engage with stakeholders in relation to its water impacts reduction strategies or programs, or if you cannot provide evidence of stakeholder engagement

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MTU.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.MTU.r (For: Retailer)

EWT16. Did your company develop, support or fund any mechanism to contribute to its water impact reduction in the value chain?

About this question

Access to finance is one of the major hurdles to water management efforts in the textile, apparel and footwear supply chain.

Either through direct co-investment, or through other support mechanisms, Brands and Retailers can ensure water initiatives are appropriately funded. In relation to water matters, examples may include investments in the supply chain to develop more water efficient manufacturing processes and/or technologies.

This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate your company’s commitment to contribute resources for the reduction of water impacts in the industry.

Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has developed, supported or fund any mechanism to contribute to the reduction of water impacts in the textile/apparel/footwear industry
Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company has developed, supported or fund any mechanism to contribute to the reduction of water impacts, or if these activities have not formed part of your strategy

Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer

Reference ID: ewt.MTY.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)

Reference ID: ewt.MTY.r (For: Retailer)