About the publication
The Apparel Impact Institute’s Energy and Carbon Benchmark complements current methodologies by offering data on specific processes within facilities, allowing for year-on-year performance tracking and objective comparisons across facilities and regions. It is designed to serve as a transparent, independent reference that helps brands, manufacturers, and stakeholders align on consistent metrics and drive collective progress toward industry-wide decarbonization.
Building on existing data and tools, the benchmark consolidates existing GHG performance data from verified sources such as the Higg Index, technical experts, and direct mill assessments. At this stage, it functions as a voluntary reference point, not a compliance standard, intended to benefit manufacturers by highlighting strong performers and enabling data-driven decision-making. Ultimately, it supports a unified, industry-aligned approach to reducing emissions across the textile supply chain.
The public consultation period for the Carbon & Energy Benchmark closed December 12, 2025. We continue to welcome feedback by email at benchmark@apparelimpact.org for consideration in future updates.
Building on existing data and tools, the benchmark consolidates existing GHG performance data from verified sources such as the Higg Index, technical experts, and direct mill assessments. At this stage, it functions as a voluntary reference point, not a compliance standard, intended to benefit manufacturers by highlighting strong performers and enabling data-driven decision-making. Ultimately, it supports a unified, industry-aligned approach to reducing emissions across the textile supply chain.
The public consultation period for the Carbon & Energy Benchmark closed December 12, 2025. We continue to welcome feedback by email at benchmark@apparelimpact.org for consideration in future updates.
Technical review committee
We are seeking participants with expertise in energy systems, emissions estimation, methodology development, and benchmark creation to ensure the review process is robust and well-informed. The review is intended to be an ongoing process, conducted on a six-month cadence to ensure the benchmark methodology remains accurate and up to date.
If you are interested in joining the Technical Review Committee, please email us at benchmark@apparelimpact.org with the subject line “Carbon Benchmark Technical Review Committee.” In your message, briefly describe your relevant experience and interests in this area.
If you are interested in joining the Technical Review Committee, please email us at benchmark@apparelimpact.org with the subject line “Carbon Benchmark Technical Review Committee.” In your message, briefly describe your relevant experience and interests in this area.
Send us an email
access the documents
Downloadable Document
Methodology
The benchmark methodology has been developed in collaboration with industry experts and is open for consultation. This approach helps textile manufacturing facilities measure progress and identify improvements. Review the complete documentation and contribute your insights.
Read the methodology
Link
FAQs
The purpose of this document is to support stakeholders in understanding how the Aii Benchmark works, how it was developed, and its intended use in enabling consistent measurement, comparison and improve of energy and emissions performance across the apparel supply chain.
Read the FAQs
Excel Calculator
Benchmark Calculator
While our digital platform is being developed for wet-processing, dry-processing facilities are encouraged to participate using the Excel-based questionnaire. Access the tool below to provide the required data and help refine this critical part of the benchmark.
Try out the calculator
Video Recording
Informational Webinar
In this webinar, we review the draft benchmarking methodology and process. We also explain how the tool compares facilities with different production mixes, fuel choices, and process configurations, and what it means for a facility to fall above, at, or below the benchmark
Watch video
Try out The benchmark calculator
Please fill out the form and the Benchmark calculator will start to download. If the tool is not downloading, you may have to enable pop-ups in your browser and try again. If you are still experiencing issues, please email us at benchmark@apparelimpact.org.
