Bangladesh has strengthened its position as the global leader in green environmentally-friendly apparel factories, with 204 factories in the sector now boasting the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED certification (certificate for green factories).
Two more Bangladeshi garment factories have obtained green building certification from the USGBC in the platinum and gold category in recent months, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
In October, SM Accessories of Gazipur received a gold certificate from the USGBC at Leed BD+C; New Construction v4 rating system with scores of 61 and 62.
Moreover, in November, Integra Dresses Ltd, another Gazipur-based manufacturer, received a platinum certificate from the USGBC for the Leed BD+C: New Construction v4 rating system with a score of 99 out of 110.
Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in sustainable fashion with 204 LEED Green Factories, including 74 Platinum-rated and 116 Gold-rated, solidifying its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Moreover, 22 new factories certified in just the past six months, including 14 Platinum and 8 Gold, showcased the pivotal role in propelling the country towards global leadership in eco-friendly garment production.
So far, 54 of the world's top 100 LEED Green Factories are now located in Bangladesh, including 9 of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20, this achievement is poised to attract further investment and partnerships, solidifying Bangladesh's position as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing.
The rapid increase in LEED-certified green factories in Bangladesh is a clear and direct consequence of the garment industry's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. This dedication to sustainability is not only worthy of praise but also absolutely crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and success of our industry.
Bangladesh achieved 30 green building certifications in 2022, while 550 more factories are in the pipeline to get the USGBC’s LEED certification.
USGBC honors factories based on several criteria – transformation performance, energy, water, and waste management. The best performers are rated with platinum, followed by gold and silver.
These criteria help green factories significantly to reduce operational costs over time even though they may initially cost more to set up, according to industry insiders. These factories also provide a safe working environment for employees.
BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel said they are working on the green revolution.
“Even though there is a shortage of orders all over the world, we are still getting orders only because of our green factories,” he added.
He also said that global buyers and brands are increasing their focus on the environment, which is why eco-friendly factories will no longer be an option, but will become mandatory.
“We are putting a lot of work ahead now, which will pay off in the future,” he added.
