BRM Certification – Higg Brand & Retail Module

What is BRM Certification?

BRM (Brand & Retail Module) is a standardized sustainability assessment tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) under the Higg Index framework. It allows brands, retailers, and e-commerce platforms to measure, report, and improve their environmental and social impact across the value chain.

Unlike traditional reporting systems, Higg BRM offers a comprehensive, data-driven approach to evaluate sustainability efforts in product design, sourcing, packaging, operations, and community engagement.

Why BRM Certification Matters

With increasing consumer and regulatory pressure on companies to adopt sustainable and ethical practices, BRM Certification helps brands and retailers:

  • Demonstrate environmental and social responsibility

  • Quantify their sustainability performance with credibility

  • Align with global goals like UN SDGs, SBTi, and ESG reporting

  • Build trust with supply chain partners and conscious consumers

  • Benchmark progress over time and with industry peers

Key Focus Areas of BRM

Higg BRM evaluates sustainability efforts across five key impact areas:

  1. Brand Strategy

    • Sustainability governance, goals, and reporting mechanisms

  2. Product

    • Eco-design, material sustainability, lifecycle impact

  3. Supply Chain

    • Ethical sourcing, supplier engagement, risk management

  4. Packaging

    • Waste reduction, circular materials, recyclability

  5. Own Operations

    • Emissions, energy, water, waste, and employee wellbeing

Each section is scored based on structured responses, supporting evidence, and third-party verification (optional).

Who Should Use BRM?

The Higg BRM is ideal for:

  • Global brands in fashion, apparel, footwear, and home goods

  • Retailers and department stores

  • Direct-to-consumer and e-commerce platforms

  • Companies seeking ESG alignment, corporate transparency, or supply chain traceability

Benefits of BRM Certification

  • Gain recognition as a responsible and sustainable brand

  • Identify and reduce environmental and social risks

  • Improve transparency in supply chain and product lifecycle

  • Support ESG disclosures, sustainability reports, and brand claims

  • Strengthen partnerships with ethical manufacturers and conscious consumers

  • Align with industry standards such as OECD Guidelines, GRI, and UN Global Compact

BRM Certification Process

  1. Self-Assessment

    • Complete your brand and retail sustainability evaluation on the Higg platform

  2. Verification (Optional but Recommended)

    • Third-party verifiers ensure credibility of your reported data

  3. Performance Insights

    • Identify strengths and improvement areas through benchmarking

  4. Strategic Action Planning

    • Create impactful goals and track year-on-year progress

Our BRM Support Services

We provide expert assistance to help you achieve and maintain BRM certification:

  • Guidance on completing the BRM self-assessment

  • Documentation and data organization

  • Gap analysis & ESG readiness evaluation

  • Reporting and goal-setting support

  • Verification preparation and review

Lead the Change with Higg BRM

Show your commitment to responsible retailing and sustainable branding. Let your customers and partners know that your brand walks the talk on social and environmental responsibility.

Contact us today to start your BRM certification journey and lead the future of ethical commerce.