Bangladesh has now 183 green factories with three new factory units receiving accreditation from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed), according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Moreover, so far till December 21, the highest number of factories got LEED Certification in 2022, stands at 30 among them, 15 were LEED platinum, which is also highest for a single year.
Currently, the RMG sector of Bangladesh has consolidated its position in green manufacturing units with 60 in the platinum category, 109 in gold, 10 in silver and another four Leed-certified factory buildings.
Swisstex Village, located at Singair of Manikganj, obtained a gold certificate from the USGBC with at LEED 2009, BD+C rating system on December 21.
Moreover, Gazipur based Jinnat Knitwears Ltd – RMG Building and Jinnat Knitwears Ltd – Printing Building, both received platinum certificate at LEED 2009, BD+C rating system on December 20, BGMEA official said.
The trade organization for the RMG sector reports that 550 additional factories are either registered or in the pipeline for USGBC’s Leed certification.
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.
Comment here