Two more ready-made garment (RMG) factory units in Bangladesh have obtained United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) leadership in energy and environmental design (Leed) certificates recently.
With this, Bangladesh has further solidified its position as a global leader in environmentally friendly apparel manufacturing.
It now boasts 235 Leed-certified factories, including 94 platinum-rated, 127 gold-rated, 10 silver-rated, and four certified factories.
In January, TM Jeans Ltd, a factory unit based in Gazipur, received a platinum certificate from the USGBC at Leed BD+C: New Construction v4 rating system with a score of 81.
Another factory, Dhaka-based Azmeri Composite Knit Ltd, obtained a gold certificate from the USGBC at Leed BD+C: New Construction v4 rating system with a score of 63.
Currently, 61 of the world's top 100 Leed factories, including nine of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20, are in Bangladesh.
This achievement is poised to attract additional investment and partnerships, cementing Bangladesh's reputation as a sustainable manufacturing hub.
Moreover, Bangladesh is also home to the highest and the second-highest-scoring green factories.
The rapid increase in Leed-certified green factories in Bangladesh is a clear and direct result of the garment industry's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.
This dedication to sustainability is crucial for ensuring this industry's long-term viability and success.
Another 550 factories are waiting to get the USGBC’s Leed certification.
The factory units of Bangladesh have been obtaining the Leed certificate since 2011.
USGBC honours factories based on several criteria: transformation performance, energy, water, and waste management. The best performers are rated platinum, followed by gold and silver.
According to industry insiders, these criteria help green factories significantly reduce operational costs over time, even though they may initially cost more to set up.
These factories also provide a safe working environment for employees.
Former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel told Dhaka Tribune that amidst the challenges posed by a global economic downturn and domestic obstacles, Bangladesh’s RMG industry remains unwavering in its commitment to sustainable growth.
“The steady growth of LEED certifications reflects our proactive approach to sustainability and responsible manufacturing. Through continued collaboration and unwavering dedication, we are confident that the Bangladesh RMG sector will achieve even greater milestones, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in sustainable and ethical production,” he added.
He also said that consumers worldwide increasingly demand eco-conscious clothing, and Bangladesh is stepping up by embracing Leed certification. Bangladesh is not just protecting the environment but also strengthening its position as a responsible global player.
“This translates into a stronger brand reputation for Bangladesh, attracting investment and ensuring long-term success for the RMG sector. It's a win-win for everyone – the environment, our industry, and ultimately, the future of fashion,” 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.
