That’s why I’m excited to announce an upcoming, facilitated discussion focused on monthly data reporting and the Facility Data Manager (FDM) — a chance to dig into its potential, address concerns, and explore what it means for the industry.

This isn’t your typical meeting. It’s a trial run of a new way to engage members in meaningful, focused conversations. Monthly data reporting is a hot topic right now, as some believe it is necessary for greater transparency, tracking impact reductions, and upcoming regulatory requirements. But we also know there are questions about relevance and effectiveness. Clearly there are different perspectives to consider, and this is our opportunity to talk it through together.

Why the Spotlight on Monthly Data Reporting?

The Facility Data Manager, rolled out by Worldly, supports monthly data reporting for greater visibility into facility operations. It has also sparked conversations about what this would mean for facilities in a practical sense. Here’s what we’ll dive into during the session:

• Why are brands increasingly asking for monthly data reporting?
• Can monthly data collection drive real impact reduction at the facility level? If so, how?
• Do disclosure regulations actually require this level of reporting frequency?
• What’s the role of the FDM in the Higg Index suite, and how does it align with Cascale’s goals?

A New Way to Engage Manufacturers

This session is an experiment—a way to test how we can better connect with members, both manufacturers and brands, and put their needs and perspectives at the center of the conversation. If you think back to Cascale’s origins, convening these kinds of discussions has always been part of our DNA. Manufacturers are critical to achieving sustainability goals, but adapting to evolving tools and regulations isn’t always straightforward. By creating this space, we hope to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and where we can improve.

Back in the early SAC days, we brought in outstanding facilitators who helped set the tone for some of our most impactful work. I’d like to channel that energy and facilitation into this discussion and see where it takes us.

What to Expect

To ensure a productive conversation, we’ll bring in an independent moderator to guide the session, ensuring balanced representation and an open, fair dialogue. The goal? Honest, participative discussions that surface real insights and perspectives.

This discussion is a trial. If it works, fantastic—we’ll explore how to build on it. If not, we’ll learn and try something else. Either way, it’s a valuable chance to address key questions about the FDM and its role in driving collective impact.

I’m looking forward to seeing where this takes us. Stay tuned for details—we’re aiming to host the discussion in January 2025. Let’s make it count.