The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has taken initiatives to adopt green practices at different export processing zones (EPZs) across the country by setting up solar-powered street lights and effluent treatment plants. BEPZA, with assistance from the World Bank, EU and South Korean government recently implemented a low carbon zone project at Chittagong EPZ at a cost of Tk 75 crore. Under the project, a total of 750 electric poles have been set up with solar panel on the streets, making the entire Chittagong EPZ under solar energy system. In addition, a solar panel of 75 KW has also been installed at BEPZA office in Chittagong EPZ and investors’ club to source solar energy. As a result, the Chittagong EPZ authority expects to save electricity of around Tk 32 lakh per year. Md Khorshid Alam, General Manager (in charge) of Chittagong EPZ, said implanting the low carbon project has facilitated the Chittagong EPZ to enjoy energy use in an environment-friendly way. Sources said the BEPZA is also working to establish an environmental laboratory at Chittagong EPZ to assess the volume of carbon the industrial units are emitting which will help to reduce the carbon emission volume. With the lessons learnt from this project, the BEPZA will turn to establish such green energy systems in its other EPZs in the country. Meanwhile, the BEZA has set up a central effluent treatment plant (CETP) at Comilla Export Processing Zone (Comilla EPZ) to ensure environment-friendly industrial practices. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the CETP on May 25. With the CETP in Comilla EPZ, a total of three EPZs under BEPZA came under effluent treatment plant facilities which hopefully will expedite the green practices by the BEPZA. The BEPZA earlier installed two CETPs at Dhaka and Chittagong Export Processing Zones. Nazma Binte Alamgir, General Manager (Public Relation) of BEPZA, said they are putting their best efforts to make the EPZs efficient with utmost environmental practices.
Source: https://www.daily-sun.com/print/front-page/2015/05/23/504691#sthash.dPDANW09.dpuf
