Higg Index Enables Kohl’s to Evaluate Global Environmental and Social Impacts

At Kohl’s, we have a responsibility to make a difference and do good for our associates, customers and the communities we serve. An important part of that responsibility is to drive social and environmental improvements and foster innovation in our global supply chain to ensure Kohl's is doing its part to protect factory workers and leave a smaller footprint on the planet we all share.

One of the key tools we utilize to help monitor and report performance and progress on our social and environmental impact around the world is the Higg Index. The Higg Index is a suite of tools that accurately measures sustainability performance and assists us with making more sustainable choices when it comes to supply chain and facility performance. We use the Higg Index to benchmark ourselves and the efforts of the facilities involved in the production of our goods. 

We require all approved facilities producing private and exclusive branded products to complete the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM). The Higg FEM assesses energy use, greenhouse gas and air emissions, water use, wastewater, waste management, environmental management systems and chemical management. In addition, our strategic suppliers are also required to complete the Higg Brand and Retail Module (BRM) and the Higg Facility Social and Labor Module (FSLM).

“Through use of the Higg Index, we can identify opportunities to reduce impacts and improve long-term sustainability throughout our supply chain,” said Steve Thomas, Kohl’s chief risk and compliance officer. “It’s an important accountability and measurement tool that ensures Kohl’s and its partners remain focused on taking meaningful action to protect the well-being of factory workers, local communities and the environment that sustains us all.” 

For more details about the Higg Index or the social and environmental initiatives Kohl’s has in place, please review our 2019 CSR report or the sustainability section of our corporate website.