EMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Table of Contents

Does Higg FEM expect soil/groundwater sampling to be conducted annually, semi-annually, monthly, or case by case as necessary?
Does a facility need to secure a renewable source certificate for Biomass like palm shell?
Does evidence of internal audits suffice for a factory to demonstrate that it has not caused soil or groundwater contamination?
Is soil and/or groundwater testing mandatory?
What is the difference between employee awareness of the facility’s environmental performance and employee training on environmental awareness and company environmental strategy?

Does Higg FEM expect soil/groundwater sampling to be conducted annually, semi-annually, monthly, or case by case as necessary?

The facility can confirm that soil and groundwater have not been contaminated by the below 3 methods:

Soil and/or groundwater investigation reports.
- A Soil and/or groundwater investigation report within 12 months of the most recent incident reported within the facility is recommended where necessary.
Environmental impact assessment indicating that the facility’s operations did not contaminate groundwater/soil.
Document procedures or records of internal audits, and walkthroughs to monitor risks of contamination.

Does a facility need to secure a renewable source certificate for Biomass like palm shell?

If a renewable source certificate is available, the biomass can be reported under Sustainable Biomass.
If a renewable source certificate is not available, the facility is required to report the biomass under source unknown or uncertified.

Does evidence of internal audits suffice for a factory to demonstrate that it has not caused soil or groundwater contamination?

Records of internal audits, documented procedures, and walkthroughs to monitor risks of contamination are sufficient for facilities to demonstrate that its internal controls and audit procedures effectively monitor and address the risk of contamination.

It is recommended to document and maintain audit activity records for verification purposes.

Is soil and/or groundwater testing mandatory?

Soil and groundwater testing for contamination is not mandatory. If the facility can demonstrate that they have actively taken measures to prevent ground and/or soil contamination, they may select "yes" as a response to the question.

What is the difference between employee awareness of the facility’s environmental performance and employee training on environmental awareness and company environmental strategy?

A program to build awareness of the facility's environmental performance among employees enables employees to understand the impact of the facility’s activities on its environmental performance. This type of program may need to be reviewed more frequently, such as monthly or quarterly.

Employee training on environmental awareness and company environmental strategy relates to broader environmental awareness of the facility's environmental strategy. This type of program may be scheduled less frequently, such as annually, since the general content and strategy is not expected to change as frequently.