Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector solidified its ongoing green transformation with the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) approval of two new production units for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed).
On January 27, JL Fashions Ltd of Gazipur received a platinum certificate from the USGBC for the LEED O+M; Existing building v4.1 rating system with a point of 84.
JKL – admin and daycare building in Gazipur also received a platinum accreditation with the LEED BD+C; New Construction v3-2009 rating system and received an 84 score on the same day.
So far, 186 factories in the country’s garment industry presently have the Leed certification, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Moreover, three factory units have already achieved Leed certification in January 2023 where the aforementioned two are in the platinum category and the previous one in the gold category.
In 2022, a total of 30 factory units received Leed certification, the highest in a year.
Currently, the RMG sector of Bangladesh has consolidated its position in green manufacturing units with 62 in the platinum category, 110 in gold, 10 in silver and another 4 Leed-certified factory buildings.
An additional 550 factories are either registered or in the pipeline for USGBC’s Leed certification, reported the apex body of the apparel sector.
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.
During a visit to two green factories on Saturday (January 28), the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley applauded the green transformation of the readymade garment (RMG) sector of Bangladesh.
He also said that the EU is proud of being the largest customer of Bangladeshi-made apparel items.
Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Mohiuddin Rubel, director of the BGMEA said that they are hopeful about surpassing last year’s achievements as a large number of factory units are in pipeline.
He also said that the production costs, fuel and energy costs have increased along with falls in orders and consumers’ consumption capacity.
“We have to work to get buyers’ attractions through sustainable, eco-friendly and value-added factories and products,” he said, adding that manufacturers should urge buyers to take these factors into account while placing orders and the buyers should also focus on fair pricing.
He also urged for government support for the green factories.
“We are hopeful about our future. The number of green factories is increasing. Recently ambassadors and delegates from 18 countries visited green factories which made us optimistic,” 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.
