Find information using our faqs

Registry Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and you should hear back within 1-2 months of applying. If you have applied for a grant, you will receive an automatic email once you have applied on the review timelines. These can also be found in the application hub.

Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit collective founded in 2017. Aii identifies, funds, and scales proven quality solutions to accelerate positive impact in the apparel and footwear industry. 

Aii is funded in part by grants from brands and philanthropic organizations and in part by service fees for our technical work. We are not a membership organization.

Our headquarters are in California, USA; however, we are a global organization with staff distributed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Aii is an independent entity that partners with various membership associations and NGOs. We are dedicated to avoiding duplications and redundancies in our work.

The Fashion Climate Fund is a $250M donor-pooled fund with contributions from apparel brands and philanthropy. The Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) is Aii’s collection of proven carbon-reducing programs and solutions from pre-seed to pilot to model to scale phase. The CSP Platform is an online registry of those programs; it’s a database of all the solutions across stages of development. Grants will be distributed from the Fashion Climate Fund to select programs in the Climate Solutions Portfolio, and programs in the portfolio will also benefit from connections to other forms of funding and capital (e.g. debt and equity).

Aii takes an initial baseline of a facility's energy consumption and GHG emissions before implementing a project. After the project is complete, another measurement is taken and the difference between the before and after measurements is calculated with adjustments for changes in production volume and other factors. Finally, each project has an estimated useful life, which is used to forecast the total GHG reduction over the life of the project.

If you have questions about CSP grants - timelines, amounts, requirements, etc. - please visit our comprehensive FAQs or Climate Solutions Portfolio page.

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or are interested in working with us, please reach out by clicking “Contact Us” at the bottom of this page. An Aii team member will get in touch as soon as possible.

The best way to stay informed is to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

We currently have seven lead funders (HSBC, Target Corporation, PVH Corporation, Lululemon, H&M Group, H&M Foundation, and The Schmidt Family Foundation) that are each expected to fund $10M by 2030.

This is a conservative estimate coming from our experience with programs like Clean by Design, as well as the findings in our joint report with Fashion for Good, "Unlocking the Trillion-Dollar Fashion Decarbonisation Opportunity". Based on the ratios of form of asset class applied to the solutions in the report, we expect $100 million in philanthropy combined with $150 million in industry contributions (together, the $250 million Fashion Climate Fund) will drive $150 million in supplier contributions; $400 million in venture capital and private equity; and $1.2 billion in bank debt, bonds, and loan funds for supplier capital investments, resulting in a total of $2 billion.

Our funding framework is built on the "Roadmap to Net Zero" report Aii co-authored with WRI. Programs and Projects include all tiers of the supply chain from raw materials to yarn preparation to fabric preparation to cut & sew assembly. The report identifies the six intervention areas (or levers) to reduce carbon emissions, such as:

• Material efficiency
• Better, Preferred Materials
• Next Generation Materials
• Energy Efficiency
• Thermal Heat Innovations (dry processing and renewable thermal)
• Clean Energy (renewable electricity)

To identify, fund, and scale proven solutions that lower carbon emissions across the supply chain of the textile, apparel, and footwear sector, with a focus on the primary goal of enabling the reduction of 100M tonnes of GHG emissions by 2030.

Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) is managing the fund. Aii has aggregated philanthropic and industry contributions to fund programmatic work in the apparel and footwear supply chain since 2018. With a $250 million fund, we will accelerate climate interventions by deploying up to $30 million a year into this work. The goal is to apply the full budget each year in alignment with our partners, although we recognize that supply chain volatility still exists which may require us to carry forward funds into the following year.

The Fund is applied to the entire program portfolio from incubation to commercialization. Once an intervention has proven successful, Aii recruits financial institutions to supply attractive sources of financing for suppliers to make climate-improvement investments. Aii is also advancing new and creative financial solutions for the market and tracking the amount of external capital leveraged as a result of our Fund, as well as the financial ROI and payback period for the supplier that is making the investment.

Yes, Aii tracks the climate impact of every intervention that we are funding in the supply chain.  We have a target cost of carbon per intervention (from solar electricity to use of recycled poly).  We report the return on impact (as measured in CO2 emissions saving per dollar invested) for every program. 

Aii’s climate-reduction programs are aligned with the existing carbon reporting methodologies and frameworks established by the industry. Aii also participates in industry groups that are actively working to advance these frameworks.

Today, we are seeking Lead Partners to the Fund, which means $10 million by 2030. We will accept a pledge for the first three years with the terms and conditions for renewal after the third year.

Lead Partners join the Apparel Impact Roundtable, an industry committee that serves to provide critical and strategic input on the fund and use of funds. Lead Partners help to create, build, and drive the programs to scale, as opposed to only joining the ones that already exist. Lead Partners are at the table from day one to build this system and suite of funding tools to the greatest advantage and need of the fashion sector. This group works closely with our Board of Directors and our Expert Advisory Council, technical experts who provide insights for our work. Lead Partners will also be listed prominently in all communications as founders of the Fashion Climate Fund.

We want you involved. Aii already supports programmatic work for more than 45 brands/ retailers and their suppliers. You can continue to bring your sustainability needs (and budget) for impact programs to Aii, and we can match programs for supplier recruitment.   We may even be able to apply some of the Fund’s grantmaking to support your work, if aligned with our current programs, strategies, and growth.

No, we can apply these funds to work in any region where a meaningful consensus of industry work is happening. Members of the Apparel Impact Roundtable will help to drive the unlock into new geographic regions. 

The Fund addresses all areas of apparel and footwear. We are already working with several brands/retailers in other product categories (e.g. home products, soft goods, outdoor products). We also apply solutions at an industrial park level, which benefits other manufacturing sectors. 

Yes, the Fund is intended to support companies in reaching their Science Based Targets or other commitments toward climate action. Therefore, companies are able to apply a significant portion of their annual contributions to the Fund directly into CO2 emissions reduction in their own suppliers. As we move more solutions through the pilot phase to scale-ready, that percentage allocation should increase. Aii accepts funding from treasury, philanthropic, and foundation sources from brands. Internal conversations may be required to allow for the appropriate use of funds within the brand’s own supply chain.

A minimum of 60% of the funds will be allocated to programming and innovation towards scope 3 (supply chain) CO2 emissions reductions. Another 25% will be applied to “ecosystem leadership,” which we define as continued tool development; contributing to the establishment of industry reporting framework; building relationships with venture capital funds, private equity funds, banks, and loan funds; publishing impact reports; and other activities needed to support the supply chain work. The balance is applied to the Aii management fee. 

In order to support the growth and development of the Fund and all of Aii’s operations, we apply a management fee of 20% to all philanthropic contributions into the fund and 10% to all treasury contributions into the fund, resulting in a 15% blended management fee.

No. The Fund will not be used for funding events or industry marketing needs beyond that of promoting the Fund as part of the management fee.

• Effectiveness - reduction relative to a typical industrial baseline
• Reach -  breadth of the supply chain the solution can affect at scale
• Scale – is the solution already at a mature state of commercialization and what is the potential for accelerated deployment by 2030?

• Pre-seed:  Solutions that are at a concept level and in the process of evaluating and establishing their impact potential.
• Pilot: Solutions that are in the process of testing their solution in order to demonstrate a proof of concept.
• Model: Solutions that are working towards de-risking and reducing known barriers to scale.
• Scale: Solutions that are commercially viable with a proven go-to-market strategy.

Applications are reviewed by the Climate Solutions Portfolio Advisory Council (CSPAC), a diverse multi-stakeholder body composed of industry experts. Occasionally, the CSPAC may engage external experts and the Apparel Impact Roundtable in the review process.

Please follow the link the Submittable website for guidance if you are having difficulty with your application.

Yes, the application automatically saves and you can come back to it as needed until you are ready to submit.

The Climate Solutions Portfolio Advisory Council evaluates applications according to the requirements set out in the Grant Funding Thesis with a focus on effectiveness, reach, and scale. Please review the Thesis for additional information.

We will ask Registered solutions to annually report on the CSP-enabled deployment of their solution. They will be required to calculate the emissions savings that have resulted from that implementation and show the cumulative savings the solution has achieved as a CSP Registrant and as part of the Aii network. This helps Aii and the Registrants track their deployment over time. 

While it is important to be transparent about the cost of a solution, this is commercially sensitive information for many of our registrants. For that reason, we have presented the solution cost according to a dollar scale, with the least expensive represented by $ and the most expensive represented by $$$$$. Being the most expensive does not necessarily mean a solution has a low return on investment. You can see the payback period as well as the $/tCO2e on the solution pages. 

We categorized solutions as Utilities (energy-related investments), Process Machinery (any piece of equipment purchased to deliver the process), Ancillary/Systems (support or monitoring for the production process). and Programs (programs that have a service cost as well as investments in improvements as a result of the program recommendations). This is the first iteration of our scale which will become more detailed and nuanced over time. You can find the ranges here.

The $/tCO2e remains the industry's standard approach to calculating the efficiency of dollars spent on carbon reduction, as investments are made at a site level. Therefore we have chosen to maintain this approach. These calculations are also done according to the lifetime savings approach, meaning they account for the tCO2e saved over the lifetime of the investment. We calculate this by multiplying the annual savings by 8.75 for energy efficiency projects and 15.2 for energy source projects. This accounts for the average 10- and 15-year lifespan of these projects respectively

Yes, in some cases. For example, in our case studies and annual water impact figures, average production volumes for the solutions have been used to estimate the actual impact of a solution over time. Currently, we rely on the average production volumes provided by each solution, based on the facilities where the solution has been implemented. Over time, Aii aims to develop a standardized approach to calculating actual impact, which will improve comparability across solution pages.

We have made the solution evaluation and communication methodology for solutions the same. All applicants calculate their effectiveness according to the CO2e/kg production baselines outlined in the Ready Reckoner. Working from the same baselines makes the effectiveness more comparable between solutions.

The current tool works well where a solution is applied in a single process or tier and where the effectiveness (i.e. the % reductions in heat and electrical energy) is clear and consistent.

• If a solution has different levels of effectiveness in different processes or tiers, it may be necessary to carry out multiple calculations and sum up the overall potential savings.
• If a solution is related to circularity / re-use of materials, we credit the solution provider with the notional benefits associated with a reduced need to create new fibers, yarns, and fabrics, and the need to carry out dyeing as appropriate. This may require multiple calculations and summing up of potential savings.
• Solutions that focus on reduced waste or improvements in quality may have ‘ripple’ benefits beyond the place they are applied and may require multiple calculations and summing up of potential savings.

The tool requires the applicant to provide a credible estimation of the % of the maximum potential savings their solution can affect. This requires detailed knowledge of the global industry sector they are working with (and the CSP Advisory Council requires this to sense check applications). For example, if a proposed solution is to be rolled out to 10 cotton spinning mills, what % of the global cotton spinning market does that represent?

The database itself will be updated annually, and we anticipate several improvements.

• The current data is based on a zero-loss model, which we know is crude and incorrect. We will attempt to include information on material losses at each stage of production, but we also have to consider if those losses are genuine waste, ordinarily recycled, 2nd quality materials with value, a co-product with value, and so on.
• The exact scope of textiles in the database and associated fiber volumes needs expert review in light of the apparent disconnect between high volumes of synthetics assumed to be used in apparel and the low % of synthetics in major brands’ products.
• The default emission factor (g CO2  / kWh) needs review, and heat energy, on-site electricity, and grid electricity may need different values.
• We need better granularity in terms of fine and coarse yarns and heavy and lightweight fabrics. Everything currently uses an average.
• Common blends may be included (currently it is a single fiber only model).
• The range of fibers may need to be included. For example, recycled polyester is now produced in higher volumes than other traditional mainstream fibers.

The tool will be updated annually. The key issues being addressed for the 2025 version are material losses, an update of the volume of polyester, etc. 

The energy use and emission baselines are calculated for supply chain tiers, processes, and even sub-processes using data from the WRI “Roadmap to Net Zero” report, other publicly available data sources, and subject matter experts’ professional judgment. We have used typical model processes to create baselines against which all solutions must be compared (These are contained in an appendix to the Ready Reckoner). 

The Ready Reckoner is a functioning prototype that enables the CSP Advisory Council to objectively compare the projected savings of a wide variety of solutions for different tiers, processes, and sub-processes. The database it uses contains verified quantitative data, qualitative information, and even some estimates. 

Waiting for verified, universally accepted data would delay our ability to compare solutions and keep us from achieving our 2050 goals. We intend to improve the data on an ongoing basis and welcome constructive feedback from any interested stakeholders. We also welcome feedback from applicants if they believe the baseline processes or energy use figures for those processes differ substantially from their experience.

We have created a database of energy use and tCO2e emissions for the most widely used materials and processes. Our figures are based on typical production processes and should be used as the baseline against which any solutions are compared. This allows us to standardize the evaluation of solutions’ impact reduction potential and enables the CSP Advisory Council to compare different solutions against each other in a fair and consistent manner. 

We ask that applicants use the model processes and associated energy and emission figures as the baseline against which their solution is compared when calculating the ‘effectiveness’ of their solution (the % decrease in energy use or GHG emissions). This is to avoid the deliberate selection of more favorable baselines that enhance the perceived impact of a solution. 

The Ready Reckoner is a simple tool into which applicants enter information about the solution’s supply chain application, effectiveness, and anticipated industry-wide scaling. It then calculates the projected tCO2e savings using the provided data. Applicants must use the Ready Reckoner to determine the solution’s tCO2e reduction potential.

The data presented by a CSP Grant or Registry applicant will differ according to the solution’s maturity level. For Grant applications, where we accept less mature solutions, we are looking for a strong case to be made for the effectiveness of a solution. For a Registry application, we seek evidence that the solution delivers the expected effectiveness. Below we have outlined the maturity definitions and how this relates to the data.

• Pre-seed: Solutions at a concept level and in the process of evaluating and establishing their impact potential. The impact figures on these solution pages are indications of the solution's impact at this concept phase based on sources such as lab tests or a literature review. 
• Pilot: Solutions testing to demonstrate a proof of concept. The impact figures on these solution pages are projections of the pilot's impact and do not yet reflect consistent performance.
• Model: Solutions working towards de-risking and reducing known barriers to scale. The impact figures on these solution pages are averages based on data from several pilots but do not yet represent a wide data set. Therefore, the actual impact may vary.
• Scale: Solutions that are commercially viable with a proven go-to-market strategy. The impact figures on these solution pages are averages based on data from numerous site-level implementations. Please note that the actual impact will be based on site-specific conditions and performance.

The Climate Solutions Portfolio showcases both mature solutions that Aii has vetted and registered and grant funded solutions. Registered solutions are proven solutions, operating at commercial scale that Aii seeks to support the deployment of through its programmatic work. Suppliers may still need financial support for these solutions, however, the solution provider itself doesn’t need financial support to prove or demonstrate the solution’s role in the sector’s decarbonization. Grant Funded solutions are those that need financial support to prove their impact or demonstrate their ability to scale. This funding is used to remove obstacles that promising climate solutions have, disseminate learnings and support their ability for scaled deployment after the grant project has concluded. Registered solution pages have actual savings, and Aii funded solutions have forecasted savings. 

All Registered Solutions have completed a robust application process. They have submitted data demonstrating their effectiveness, reach, and scale against our baselines. This data has been reviewed by the Climate Solutions Portfolio Advisory Council, and the assumptions have been validated through Aii’s quality assurance process. The data presented on the solutions pages are averages, and actual impact will vary according to site-specific conditions.

Aii does not guarantee the performance of the solutions. 

Our Industry Engagement Team is available to help your facility find the carbon reduction program that best fits where you are on your decarbonization journey. Please contact us at info@apparelimpact.org to get started.

Our eligibility is based on location, industry tier, environmental impact potential, and other criteria. Please contact us for specific eligibility details.

For most Aii programs, facilities are required to sign a Commitment Letter, provide the necessary information and data requested by the expert team, actively participate in program activities, and allow Aii and its experts to gather data necessary for program implementation.

However, expectations vary by program. We encourage facilities to review the specifics of any program they are interested in and contact us with questions.

Costs vary based on the program and region. Some programs may be partially funded through grants or brand sponsorships. Aii and the sponsoring brand will determine eligibility case-by-case.

Typically, participation may span from a few months to over a year. Factors that influence the timeline include the scope of work, the program's objectives, and the facility's current practices.

Aii provides a clear timeline for each program, outlining key milestones and deadlines to help facilities plan their participation accordingly. It’s also important to note that program length does not correspond to the actual time a facility must dedicate to the work.

We strive to avoid duplicating efforts. If your facility has already completed a similar program for another brand, that experience may still be valuable.

We encourage you to review the specific requirements of the Aii program being considered for your facility, as some aspects may differ. We will work with you to evaluate your past experience and determine if any adjustments or additional steps are needed to align with the current program's goals. If necessary, we will suggest alternative programs or solutions.

After nomination, the brand partner will ask the facility to sign a Commitment Letter to formalize enrollment in the program. Once this is completed, Aii and the expert team will connect with the facility to begin scheduling. The first step is a kick-off session to review the program goals and timelines.

Please visit https://scribehow.com/shared/Commitment_Letter__fpwqsWkDQ_SW8JkRXduYnA for more information.

During the kick-off, Aii and the expert team will review the program objectives, timelines, deliverables, and the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. Facilities will also receive guidance on initial actions and data collection requirements.

No, facilities are not required to prepare anything before the kick-off session. This meeting is designed to outline the next steps and clearly explain what will be needed moving forward. The expert team will support the facility throughout the entire process to ensure smooth implementation and success.

As outlined in the Commitment Letter, attendance from facility leadership and the project team is expected. The kick-off session is foundational to the program, ensuring everyone understands the objectives, expectations, and key details for successful implementation.

Facilities are expected to:
- Actively participate in all program stages, including assessments, training sessions, and reporting.
- Implement the agreed-upon action plans.
- Provide accurate and timely data for monitoring and reporting.
- Communicate promptly about any challenges or changes affecting program activities.

During program implementation, facilities will be requested to provide:
- Baseline data: energy, water, and emissions metrics
- Progress updates: relevant information about the implemented measures and outcomes
- Final reporting: comprehensive data on the program’s impact, including cost savings and resource reductions

The baseline assessment evaluates the facility’s current performance in energy and water usage, emissions levels, and existing operational efficiencies and inefficiencies. This assessment identifies opportunities for improvement and forms the foundation for the action plan.

The Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) is a registry of vetted climate solutions and grant programs.

It relates to Aii programs in two ways:
- Facilities may be eligible for CSP Grant programs after kickoff.
- Registered solutions may be suggested for implementation. If you would like to explore adopting a CSP solution, Aii will connect you with the Registered provider who will manage the implementation. Once the solution has been executed you will be asked to report the impact back to Aii.

If you face any issues, please contact Aii or your assigned expert for assistance. We will help you resolve any challenges, escalating the issue or involving other stakeholders if needed.

The project scope cannot be changed; however, our programs allow flexibility in adjusting timelines, expected outcomes, or action plans to support the facility in achieving the program's goals.

Yes, training sessions and workshops will be scheduled throughout the program to clarify key areas such as data collection, reporting requirements, and the technical aspects of program implementation. You will receive the dates and content of these sessions in advance.

Progress should be communicated via email, and the expert team will check in periodically. If challenges arise, facilities are encouraged to contact Aii or your expert promptly for quick resolution.

Due to the involvement of various stakeholders across different regions, the primary communication channels are email and video calls. Online meetings can be scheduled based on stakeholder availability.

Facilities submit information to the expert team through online forms tailored to each program's requirements (this could range from a questionnaire about factory processes to baseline data on resource consumption). Aii’s expert team reviews these submissions for accuracy and follows up with facilities through calls, site visits, or requests for additional documentation as needed.

The data collected from your facility is only used to check your current performance, track progress, and measure program results. Your data is stored securely and shared only with stakeholders involved in your facility’s specific project, for example, brand sponsors or experts working with you. Aii does not sell, share, or publish any personal information (e.g., facility dimensions, number of employees, etc.) without your consent.

Your data remains the property of your facility.

As stated in the Commitment Letter, only experts, the brands that nominate your facility, and Aii will have access to your facility's data. Aii will only publicly report aggregated values (e.g., percentage of CO2 reduction), ensuring that individual facility data remains confidential and anonymized.

No, your facility's data will not be shared with other facilities or brands without your explicit consent. When reporting on program outcomes, Aii aggregates data from multiple facilities, ensuring that individual facility information remains confidential and anonymized.

Once the program is complete, the data is used to summarize program outcomes. Aii ensures all publicly reported data (e.g., carbon reduction percentages or resource efficiency improvements) is aggregated and anonymized.

Aii will keep the data for internal analysis to inform future program improvements and reporting. This information will not be shared without the facility's consent.

Aii prioritizes the privacy of our partner facilities. We have strict data protection policies in place to safeguard your information. As stated in the Commitment Letter (CL), collected data will only be shared with relevant stakeholders involved in the program, such as the brand sponsor or expert team. Data will not be disclosed to external parties without your consent.

Aii retains your facility’s data indefinitely to support ongoing program improvements, performance analysis, and long-term strategy development.

When we share program results publicly, we combine data from many facilities. We do not include data that can identify any individual facility. If you have specific privacy concerns, we can discuss them when you join the program.

Experts request these documents as part of Aii's data validation process to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by the facility. Collecting invoices and monitoring sheets allows Aii to cross-check and verify the data. This documentation is essential for confirming that the data reflects the facility’s actual performance and helps maintain high-quality reporting.

All documents gathered during the baseline visit will remain securely stored in Aii’s archive and will not be shared externally. This process is in place to ensure data integrity, transparency, and compliance with our program’s standards.

Deadlines and the frequency of report submissions will vary based on the program and the milestones set for your facility. Deadlines will be clearly outlined by the expert team at the beginning of the program (kick-off session), and any changes or updates will be communicated in advance.

Staying in contact with Aii and the expert team ensures timely submission and alignment with program goals.

Yes, facilities will receive feedback on their reports from Aii or the expert team. This feedback will help ensure that reported data is accurate, complete, and aligned with program requirements.

Experts may provide suggestions for improvement or highlight areas that need attention to stay on track with program goals. Regular feedback is part of the continuous support provided to facilities to ensure successful program implementation.

Yes, Aii provides templates for submitting reports to ensure consistency and ease of data analysis across all facilities. These templates are designed to capture the necessary information in a standardized way, streamlining the reporting process and ensuring that all required data is included. Facilities will learn about the templates and any specific guidelines at the program start or during training sessions.

No, your facility's individual progress reports will not be shared publicly. Aii only shares aggregated data and overall program results to ensure that individual facility details remain confidential. Any information shared publicly will be anonymized and will not identify specific facilities unless prior consent has been given.

However, facilities that sign a commitment letter may have their name and address listed in Aii’s Open Supply Hub (OSH) as part of the program. This helps Aii and its partners track and report facility participation using a consistent identifier (the OSH ID), and supports transparency, which is now common practice in the industry. Being listed on OSH can also offer positive visibility, showing that your facility has taken part in a recognized sustainability program. If you prefer to opt out, you can request this directly from Aii.

Aii and the expert team collect each facility’s progress data once, then use it to build customized reports for each brand based on their nominated facilities.

As an example, if Textura Textiles was nominated by both Brand A and Brand B, we would use its single progress report to create:

• a report for Brand A that includes Textura Textiles and all other facilities nominated by Brand A, and
• a report for Brand B that includes Textura Textiles along with the rest of Brand B’s nominated facilities.

This approach ensures consistency in data collection while providing each brand with a tailored view of progress across its specific nominated facilities.

Brand reports typically focus on key areas such as carbon emissions reductions, resource usage (water, energy, etc.), and improvements in environmental impact as a result of program participation. The exact metrics will vary depending on the specific goals of the program. These KPIs are used to track your facility’s progress, assess the impact of your efforts, and help guide future improvements.

The results of your facility will be compared to others in the same program using aggregated data and benchmarks. This comparison helps assess how your facility is performing relative to others based on metrics such as energy usage, carbon emissions, and resource efficiency. This comparison will focus on overall trends and program improvements, not direct competition. Aii uses these comparisons to highlight areas of success and identify opportunities for improvement.

Aii measures program impact using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as energy and water savings, emissions reductions, and operational improvements. Impact is validated through data tracking and facility reporting.

Aii collaborates with regional experts to align with local regulations, infrastructure, and sustainability challenges.

Aii acts as the convener and coordinator, ensuring that the program runs smoothly across all stakeholders. Aii supports brands, facilities, and experts, monitors program progress, provides necessary tools and resources, and ensures that data is accurately tracked and reported. Aii also ensures that the program’s overall goals align with the broader sustainability impact and facilitates communication between all parties.

Brands nominate facilities for participation, define program goals aligned with their sustainability targets, track facility progress, and provide ongoing support. They ensure that the program aligns with their broader sustainability objectives and collaborate with Aii and facilities to achieve these goals.

Facilities implement sustainability improvements, provide data needed for the program, grant access to their processes and consumption data, and track progress. They ensure their performance aligns with the program’s goals and targets while actively participating in assessments and training sessions.

Experts work with the facility, providing customized guidance and support to lead the program’s implementation. They monitor progress, offer technical assistance, and ensure that the facility meets program requirements. Experts also work closely with the facility to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure effective program delivery.

Programs usually follow these key stages:

• Nomination & Enrollment (brand & facility commitment)
• Kick-off Meeting (goal setting)
• Baseline Assessment (data collection & expert evaluation)
• Implementation & Monitoring (implementation, reporting, & site visits)
• Final Evaluation & Reporting (measuring impact & issuing certificates)

Each program has a different timeline and may vary according to facility readiness, brand expectations, expert availability, complexities, and requirements.

Aii coordinates communication through regular updates, scheduled meetings, and milestone reports.

Yes, facilities meeting eligibility criteria can apply for another Aii program. Additionally, facilities that successfully complete one program may qualify for advanced initiatives, allowing them to build on their progress and deepen their sustainability impact.

Facilities looking to continue improvements can:

• Apply for new programs tailored to their evolving needs.
• Participate in long-term monitoring programs like CTM (Caron Target Monitoring) to track progress over time.
• Integrate CSP (Climate Solutions Portfolio)  solutions for deeper impact

Some of these options may be recommended by the expert team as part of the ongoing work. For example, the expert may suggest implementing specific solutions from the Climate Solutions Portfolio.

While Aii’s primary focus is on the apparel and footwear industry, certain programs may be applicable to facilities in other sectors if they meet program requirements.

The Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) is a registry of vetted climate solutions and grant programs. 

It relates to Aii programs in two ways:

• Facilities may be eligible for CSP Grant programs after kickoff. 
• Registered solutions may be suggested for implementation. If you would like to explore adopting a CSP solution, Aii will connect you with the Registered provider who will manage the implementation. Once the solution has been executed you will be asked to report the impact back to Aii.

To nominate a supplier, brands must provide key details about the facility, including its identification (e.g., Higg ID, facility name, and address), production characteristics (e.g., product types and processes), and contact information.

We assess each factory’s maturity and sustainability status across Tiers 1, 2, and 3.

All facilities begin with our screening and assessment tool(Phase 0). This is followed by target setting and action plan development (Phase 1) and implementation of solutions offering pathways to energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and thermal energy demand reduction (Phase 2). From there, factories enter a carbon reduction monitoring loop that continues until targets are achieved.

Our programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable, enabling factories that have already implemented other industry tools to seamlessly build on existing efforts. For background on supply chain taxonomy across tiers, refer to our industry alignment work developed in a collaboration with Textile Exchange, Cascale, and ZDHC: https://textileexchange.org/app/uploads/2024/12/Supply-Chain-Taxonomy.pdf

Aii will provide clear deadlines and action steps to ensure timely nominations. It’s important to note that timelines vary by program and whether it follows a cohort approach. We encourage you to discuss options with our Industry Engagement team.

We have established programs and built partnerships with experts across multiple regions to align with the needs of our brand and retail partners. We accept nominations from most regions; however, we will assess the feasibility of program implementation based on each area’s unique circumstances. In 2025 and 2026, we are prioritizing India, Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam, aiming to achieve significant CO2 reductions by 2030. This focus does not exclude other regions.

A Commitment Letter is an agreement signed by the facility before starting a program. It ensures the facility's commitment to actively participating in the program and implementing the required improvements. The letter also allows Aii to track progress, report on outcomes, and share aggregated results publicly. Brands will play a key role in facilitating the Commitment Letter process

Aii offers guidance to help brands understand the Commitment Letter and the roles and responsibilities it details. If you still have questions, please contact us for clarification on any terms or requirements.

In this case, Aii will facilitate “co-nomination” with all involved brands to align on program implementation and reporting. Co-nominating brands share program implementation costs and work closely to reach their shared goals. This approach is designed to ensure efficiency and maximize impact by avoiding duplication of efforts while maintaining transparency among all stakeholders.

If a supplier does not meet the eligibility requirements, Aii will notify the brand and suggest alternative programs or solutions.

The brand kick-off focuses on aligning the brand’s expectations with the program’s goals and objectives. The project kick-off, on the other hand, is held with the facility, Aii, and experts to ensure the operational steps for implementing the program are clear and set to launch.

As a brand, your involvement includes:
Participating in critical milestones, such as the program kick-off and key reviews.
Encouraging your suppliers to actively engage and meet program requirements.
Reviewing updates and providing feedback to Aii on challenges or opportunities.

The Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) is a registry of vetted climate solutions and grant programs.

It relates to Aii programs in two ways:
Facilities may be eligible for CSP Grant programs after kickoff.
Registered solutions may be suggested for implementation. If you would like to explore adopting a CSP solution, Aii will connect you with the Registered provider who will manage the implementation. Once the solution has been executed you will be asked to report the impact back to Aii.

Experts primarily communicate with the suppliers and Aii; however, brands can participate in key program meetings and reviews, and directly contact the experts with specific questions related to their sustainability goals.

Aii provides brands with regular progress reports, milestone reviews, and periodic meetings. The brand can request additional updates or clarifications at any time during the program.

Aii will notify the brand and provide recommendations for corrective actions. Brands are encouraged to engage with both the supplier and Aii to discuss challenges, adjust timelines, or offer support.

Aii and experts manage the data collection process; however, brands are encouraged to stay involved in ensuring that their suppliers meet deadlines and provide accurate data. Brands may also request reports on the data collection status.

After completion, Aii will provide a final report of the facility’s progress, including key outcomes achieved. Facilities may continue their journey by enrolling in additional programs, participating in long-term monitoring initiatives like Carbon Target Monitoring (CTM), or implementing Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) measures. Brands can work with Aii to explore further opportunities for improvement, ensuring continuous impact beyond the program’s completion.

As a brand, you will receive regular updates, including detailed progress reports, milestone reviews, and impact summaries. These updates will provide insights into your suppliers’ achievements/reductions, allowing you to track how the program contributes to your sustainability goals.

Brands play a key role by demonstrating transparency around their sustainability targets and expectations. They can support data collection by encouraging supplier engagement, providing feedback to improve accuracy, and promoting trust between stakeholders. Additionally, brands help establish carbon reduction commitments and facilitate clear communication throughout the process.

If a brand notices inconsistencies in supplier data, Aii and the expert team will work with the facility to review the information, clarify discrepancies, and make necessary corrections. Aii has a quality assurance process in place to ensure data accuracy, and key documents are collected to validate the correctness of the data provided by the facility. Brands are encouraged to flag concerns to ensure reliable reporting.

Brands receive regular updates on supplier progress through Aii’s reporting structure. While real-time data access may not always be available, periodic reports and check-ins provide visibility into ongoing performance, ensuring brands stay informed.

Aii provides final reports that summarize the supplier's performance and key outcomes. We set specific metrics for each program to assess how well facilities performed. Brands will receive insights on improvements like emissions reductions and resource efficiency, along with an overall rating of the facility’s success in meeting the program goals.

Aii works closely with both the brand and the supplier to address any shortfalls, identify the causes, and take corrective actions, when possible. Brands are encouraged to provide feedback and help identify opportunities for improvement in future program reviews.

As a brand, you will receive regular updates, including detailed progress reports, milestone reviews, and impact summaries. These updates will provide insights into your suppliers’ achievements and reductions, allowing you to track how the program contributes to your sustainability goals.

Service providers deliver technical support, conduct facility assessments, guide program implementation, and provide ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure quality and effectiveness.

Experts are selected based on their qualifications, experience, technical knowledge, and capacity to meet specific program needs. Our selection is also influenced by service providers’ alignment with Aii’s sustainability goals and their ability to effectively engage with facilities.

The SoW defines the scope, timelines, deliverables, and pricing for each project, detailing the specific responsibilities of the service provider and facility.

Site visits include initial due diligence, regular monitoring, and strategic partnership visits to ensure project alignment, progress, and quality. Visit frequency is based on project needs.

While Aii primarily focuses on the apparel and footwear industry, certain programs may apply to facilities in other sectors that meet program requirements.

The Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) is a registry of vetted climate solutions and grant programs. 

It relates to Aii programs in two ways:

• Facilities may be eligible for CSP Grant programs after kickoff. 
• Registered solutions may be suggested for implementation. If you would like to explore adopting a CSP solution, Aii will connect you with the Registered provider who will manage the implementation. Once the solution has been executed you will be asked to report the impact back to Aii.

Yes, Aii provides the necessary tools and resources for program deployment, including data collection tools, reporting templates, and other resources required for effective program implementation.

Any changes or updates to the tools provided by Aii should be discussed and approved by Aii before implementation. The tools are designed to maintain consistency across programs, so any adjustments must align with Aii’s standards and goals.

Experts ensure data accuracy through a structured validation process, which includes cross-checking facility-provided data with supporting documents such as invoices, bills, and monitoring sheets. During onsite visits, experts verify reported figures against actual facility records and operational conditions. Additionally, Aii has a quality assurance process that requires key documents to be collected as proof of data accuracy. This ensures consistency, transparency, and reliability in reporting.

Experts should build trust and foster collaboration with facilities by clearly communicating program benefits and addressing concerns. If a facility is uncooperative or resistant, experts will work closely with Aii and the brand sponsor to understand the challenges and offer additional guidance or support. In cases where participation remains limited, Aii may escalate the issue to the appropriate stakeholders to find a resolution. 

The goal is for experts to ensure that all facilities can successfully engage with the program while respecting any operational constraints.

Experts and Aii remain in contact through regular monthly calls, the use of the “facility tracker,” and email communication. 

• During the monthly calls, experts provide updates on program progress, discuss any challenges, and align on next steps. 
• The facility tracker is a key tool listing all facilities and their current milestones, allowing for clear tracking of each facility’s status. 
• Experts send email updates to Aii, ensuring that all progress, challenges, and actions are documented and easily accessible. 

This multi-channel approach ensures that Aii is continuously informed and can promptly address any issues.

If an expert is unable to complete the assigned tasks or deliverables, Aii will first work with them to identify the cause of the issue and develop a corrective plan to address it. This could involve adjusting timelines, reallocating resources, or finding alternative solutions to ensure that program goals are met. 

If the situation cannot be resolved, Aii may consider adjusting the terms of the SoW or, in more extreme cases, terminating the agreement. Throughout this process, Aii will maintain open communication with the expert and any involved stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption to the program’s success.

Experts ensure their recommendations align with Aii’s sustainability goals by following the established program guidelines and frameworks. Experts’ recommendations are based on data-driven insights, industry best practices, and each facility’s unique needs. Aii also provides regular training on program deployment to ensure experts stay up-to-date with the latest methodologies. Experts and Aii work closely throughout the process to ensure that any proposed actions align with the program's objectives and are supported by the quality assurance process.

In accordance with Aii’s data protection policies as outlined in the Master Services Agreement, experts should handle confidential or sensitive information with the utmost care. in. This includes ensuring that sensitive data is securely stored in Aii's drive and shared only with authorized parties directly involved in the program.

Experts may be asked to conduct training or workshops for facilities as part of the program, especially when specific knowledge or skills are needed for successful program implementation. These sessions typically focus on key aspects like data collection, sustainability practices, or program requirements. The decision to conduct training depends on the program’s needs and the level of expertise required by the facilities.

Our goal is to ensure transparency, maintain trust, and uphold the integrity of the assessment process. If an expert’s assessment or report is questioned by a facility or stakeholder, Aii will assess the concerns and work with the expert to clarify any discrepancies or misunderstandings. The expert may be asked to provide additional evidence or context to support their findings. 

If necessary, Aii may facilitate discussions between the expert and the concerned party to resolve any issues.

Aii ensures consistency in expert work across multiple facilities by providing standardized program guidelines, frameworks, and tools. Experts are trained regularly on these guidelines and are expected to follow a consistent methodology when conducting assessments and providing recommendations.

If a facility does not meet the program goals within the expected timeframe, Aii works closely with the facility and the expert team to understand the challenges and identify possible solutions. Aii may review the facility’s action plan, adjust timelines, and provide additional support or resources to help the facility get back on track. 

In some cases, Aii may recommend revising the facility’s goals or action plan to make them more achievable. If the facility continues to face significant challenges, Aii may also discuss potential next steps with the brand or other stakeholders to decide on the best course of action.

Experts are responsible for ensuring that the data provided by the facility is accurate, complete, and aligned with the program's requirements. This includes reviewing the data collected during baseline assessments, monitoring activities, and developing progress reports. Experts validate the data by cross-checking it against industry standards, using predefined methodologies, and comparing it with external benchmarks or historical data, when appropriate. They also ensure that all necessary documentation, such as invoices or monitoring sheets, is provided and correct. 

If any discrepancies are identified, experts will work with the facility to resolve them and ensure that the data is reliable before it is used for reporting or decision-making.