With two more factory units receiving accreditation from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed), Bangladesh has further strengthened its position as the world leader in safe and environmentally friendly readymade garment (RMG) factory units.
A total of 180 factories in the country's apparel sector currently hold the Leed certification, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The RMG sector of Bangladesh has consolidated its position in green manufacturing units with 58 in the platinum category, 108 in gold, 10 in silver and another four Leed-certified factory buildings as of December 13, 2022.
Victoria Intimates Limited, located at Boiragirchala of Dhaka obtained a gold certificate from the USGBC with a score of 62 (LEED v4 BD+C) on December 12.
Moreover, Mymensingh-based Dresden Textile Limited received a gold certificate with a score of 68 (LEED 2009, BD+C), said a BGMEA official.
The trade organization for the RMG sector reports that 550 additional factories are either registered or in the pipeline for USGBC's Leed certification.
A record-breaking 27 factories have received certification so far in 2022.
Even though they may initially cost more to set up, these green factories help significantly reduce operational costs over time, according to industry insiders.
According to the BGMEA, green industries should help reduce energy use by 40%, water use by over 30% and carbon dioxide emissions, further ensuring environmental safety.
As the factory owners are required to adhere to specific criteria for the construction of the buildings, these factories also provide a safe working environment for employees.
Experts said that Bangladesh's garment industry is now poised to take the lead globally by addressing mounting issues of sustainability, climate change, groundwater depletion and efficiency.
The growing number of green apparel factories will give Bangladesh a vantage ground to cope with EU green deals and due diligence directives stated by both the experts and the businesses.
They stated that their goal is to create a sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly apparel industry and increase innovation, recycling and the circular economy.
Moreover, BGMEA pledges to the Green Button, which is a global seal of excellence in sustainability by the government of Germany.
Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Mohiuddin Rubel, director of the BGMEA, said that it is indeed good news.
“So far in 2022, 27 factories have been certified in this year which is also a record,” he added, saying that the main thing is to brand Bangladesh.
He also said that they continue to prove that Bangladesh is environmentally aware and the green factories are proof of their commitment to creating a sustainable and safe working environment.
“Bangladesh is now considered as the safest sourcing destination which helps us gain buyer's confidence from both traditional and non-traditional markets,” he added.
Although the ongoing conflict and economic instability are impeding this progress, the sector was recovering after Covid-19.
“However, we will be ahead of the curve once things return to normal,” he added.
According to apparel manufacturers, the move towards green factory buildings helped regain Bangladesh's image after the Rana Plaza tragedy, which claimed 1,134 lives and left more than 2,000 injured.
