Bangladesh has now 180 US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) certified readymade garment (RMG) factory units, the highest in the world.
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.
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 has a gold certificate with a score of 68 (LEED 2009, BD+C), said a BGMEA official.
According to the RMG industry’s trade body, another 550 factories are in pipeline or registered to get USGBC’s Leed certification.
So far in 2022, 27 factories have been certified which is also a record.
Industry insiders said that these green factories help dramatically save operational expenses over time even though they may initially cost more to set up.
Green factories are expected to help reduce energy use by 40%, water consumption by more than 30%, and carbon dioxide emissions, further ensuring environmental safety, said the BGMEA.
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 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.
Speaking to the media, Mohiuddin Rubel, director of the BGMEA, said that they continue to prove that Bangladesh is aware of the environment and the green factories are proof of the vigilance in creating a sustainable and safe working environment.
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