Frequently Asked Questions

Minerva Sustainability is an independent auditing and verification body specialising in the fashion and textile sector. Our core services include:

• Higg FEM Verification — independent verification of facility environmental self-assessments
• EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement) Audits — field audits for Amfori BSCI member facilities
• Carbon Auditing — Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reporting and verification
• ZDHC Training — chemical management training aligned with ZDHC MRSL standards

We do not conduct ZDHC InCheck assessments at this time.

We are active in 15+ countries, working with textile and apparel manufacturers across South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. Contact us to confirm coverage for your specific region.

Yes. Depending on the audit type and brand requirements, some verifications can be conducted remotely (desk-based review of documentation and data). However, most Higg FEM verifications and all EIM field audits require an on-site visit. We will advise on the appropriate format during the scoping stage.

On-site verification typically takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the type and size of the facility, the complexity of operations, and how comprehensively the self-assessment has been completed in advance.

Smaller, single-process facilities generally complete verification in 1 day. Larger or multi-process facilities with wet processing, energy-intensive operations, or chemical-heavy production may require up to 3 days.

You must select and confirm your verification body at least 10 days before your scheduled verification date. Minerva Sustainability is a Cascale-approved verification body — contact us early to secure your preferred date, especially during peak verification periods.

Before the on-site visit, you should:

• Complete your Higg FEM self-assessment in full on the Worldly platform
• Gather supporting documentation (energy bills, water meter records, waste manifests, chemical registers, wastewater test reports, etc.)
• Ensure the relevant team members (energy, EHS, production) are available during the verification
• Prepare access to any metered systems or monitoring equipment the verifier may need to review

Facilities that complete thorough self-assessments with strong documentation consistently achieve better verification outcomes.

Verified Higg FEM scores are shared with brands through the Worldly platform. Brands use these scores to assess supplier environmental performance, benchmark across their supply base, and track year-on-year improvement. A verified score carries significantly more weight than an unverified self-assessment, and many brands require verification as a condition of sourcing.

No. Minerva Sustainability does not conduct ZDHC audits. We offer ZDHC training to help facilities understand and implement the ZDHC MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) requirements, build chemical inventories, and prepare for brand chemical assessments.

ZDHC InCheck assessments are also not part of our current service offering.

Our ZDHC training programmes run for 1 to 2 days depending on the scope, the facility's current level of chemical management maturity, and the number of staff involved. Training can be delivered on-site at your facility or in a group format.

ZDHC InCheck is a programme that assesses whether the chemical products used in a facility conform to the ZDHC MRSL. The duration depends on the number of chemicals a facility uses — typically half a day to one full day.

Minerva does not currently offer InCheck assessments. We can, however, help you prepare for an InCheck through our training and chemical management support services.

An EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement) field audit typically takes up to 2 days, depending on the size and complexity of the facility. Larger facilities with multiple production lines, water treatment systems, or complex chemical use will require more time on-site.

Where applicable, facilities should complete any required self-assessments before the audit date. You should also have the following documents ready:

• Energy and water consumption records
• Wastewater discharge and treatment records
• Waste management logs
• Chemical inventory and safety data sheets
• Environmental permits and compliance certificates

Having documentation organised in advance significantly reduces on-site time and improves audit accuracy.