How are scores for each section affected?

Energy and Water sections: most facilities are experiencing a very large drop in their scores (median drop of 28-56 points), due to the higher bar for performance in these two sections introduced with FEM 4.0.

Wastewater and Waste sections: most facilities see a small increase in scores (median increase of 9-17 points), as the restructuring of the questions has allowed for most facilities to gain a few more points.

EMS and Chemicals sections: most facilities see a relatively small impact to their score (a median drop of 2-3 points). Scores are consistent in the EMS section given there were only limited new questions added in FEM 4.0. For the Chemicals section, there were new questions that align with ZDHC Guidelines, and we did a major question restructuring. This allows facilities a better opportunity in FEM 4.0 to achieve one or both section scores, and allows questions to be asked and scored with proper applicability. 

Air section: the median score did not change from FEM 3.0 to FEM 4.0. Performance is consistent because Air Emissions in FEM 4.0 was revamped including adding new questions and removing non-relevant questions.

Disclaimer: The score assessment completed by Cascale is biased for the following reasons: 

• The analysis was completed on more than 5200 posted modules in the first three months of FEM 2023 adoption, compared to their FEM 2022 score.
• Cascale evaluated facilities that posted their module at the start of the cadence introducing selection bias. Facilities that post early in the cadence are usually returning and more experienced in completing the FEM assessment.
• With the narrowed scope of core verification in 2024 of Levels 2 and 3, there is no validation of the accuracy of those responses this year. Score increases may be due to inaccurate responses.