With the accreditation of three new factory units for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Bangladesh has further cemented its position as the industry leader in safe and environmentally friendly readymade garment (RMG) manufacturing units.
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), 183 factories in the country's garment industry presently have the Leed certification.
The highest number of factories that have received Leed Certification for 2022 as of December 21 is 30, with 15 of those being Leed Platinum, which is also the highest number 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.
Swiss tax Village, located at Singair of Manikganj, obtained a gold certificate from the USGBC with the 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 certificates 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.
On top of the obvious safety and environmental benefits, these green factories help significantly reduce operational costs over time even though they may initially cost more to set up, according to industry insiders.
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, 15 factories have received platinum certification so far this year, meaning entrepreneurs are eager to do better than good.
“All of ESG's components are included in the Leed-certified factories. Although the cost of setting up a green factory is high, in the long run, the cost comes down due to energy saving, water saving, less emission which also increase longevity,” he added.
Moreover, these factories play a role in renewable energy, utilization of resources, and worker well-being.
“Now manufacturers should urge buyers to take these factors into account while placing orders and the buyers should also focus on fair pricing. They should pay better pricing for green factory orders,” he added.
He also urged for government support for the green factories.
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.
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