Why is the vFEM now combined in the FEM purchase? It is challenging to roll out FEM for smaller facilities that need only self-assessment. How do verification and the increased cost help a small facility to make improvements and still score low?

You may find here a full explanation of why the costs increased this year: https://support.worldly.io/hc/en-us/articles/20467654765723-Why-did-the-price-of-Higg-FEM-change-.

In short: The Higg FEM 4.0 price increase reflects significant additions made to the assessment – adding value to manufacturers and their brand partners. Higg FEM 4.0 includes new features to improve data quality, embedded support when and where users need it, and a revamped training program, ensuring our industry has the best available environmental data for regulations, and performance improvement. Next to this, we offer significantly increased hours of support, like these Q&A sessions for full support with the larger assessment. 

In response to emerging regulations, we regularly hear from customers that completing Higg FEM and FSLM verification is essential – helping ensure brands and manufacturers are disclosing accurate data. To better support our customers through this industry shift, we’ve enabled verification in both Higg FEM and FSLM subscriptions.