Environmental Impact Measurement
The Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) standard is a methodology and system used to assess and quantify the environmental impacts of textile and apparel products throughout their lifecycle. Developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), the EIM standard provides a framework for measuring various environmental factors associated with the production and use of clothing and other textile items. The SAC is an industry-wide group that collaborates to promote sustainable practices in the fashion and apparel sector.
The EIM standard takes into account a range of environmental indicators, including energy and water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, chemical usage, and waste generation. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and standardized way for brands, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to evaluate and compare the environmental performance of different products.
The primary components of the EIM standard include:
Data Collection: Brands and manufacturers collect data on various environmental factors associated with their products, such as energy use, water consumption, and chemical inputs.
Scoring: The collected data is used to calculate scores for each product based on its environmental impact. These scores provide a numerical representation of how sustainable a particular product is.
Comparison: Brands and manufacturers can compare the scores of different products to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about design, sourcing, and manufacturing processes.
Transparency: The EIM standard encourages transparency by allowing companies to share their product scores with consumers, promoting accountability and awareness about the environmental impact of products.
Continuous Improvement: By using the EIM standard, companies can track their environmental performance over time and work toward reducing their overall impact through better practices and innovation.
It's important to note that the SAC's EIM standard is just one of several tools and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability in the fashion and textile industry.