In a significant development for the Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry, Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), announced today the addition of two more Platinum-rated factories to the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This achievement solidifies Bangladesh’s position as a global leader in sustainable and environmentally conscious manufacturing.
S. M. Sourcing, a prominent readymade garment factory located in Gazipur, has set a new world record by scoring an unprecedented 106 points on the USGBC’s LEED certification. This surpasses the previous record held by Green Textiles Ltd (Unit 4), which scored 104 points. Another noteworthy addition is Nice Cotton Limited, also located in Gazipur, which earned a commendable 81 points. Both factories now join the prestigious ranks of Platinum-rated facilities.
President Faruque Hassan highlighted the overall success of Bangladesh in the LEED certification, revealing that out of 206 LEED certified factories, 76 have achieved Platinum status and 116 have attained Gold status. Impressively, Bangladesh now boasts 54 out of the globally top 100 highest-rated LEED green factories and 19 out of the top 21 LEED certified factories worldwide.
The RMG industry in Bangladesh, once scrutinized for workplace safety standards, has transformed into a global role model for safety and cleaner manufacturing. Notably, the global fashion industry contributes to 10% of carbon emissions globally, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its status as one of the least per capita carbon-emitting countries.
Despite challenges faced by the industry, including the pandemic, global conflicts causing inflation, and impacts on retail industries and consumer spending, Bangladesh has continued to make strides in green industrialization. In 2022, 30 RMG factories were added to the LEED list, and in 2023, 24 more achieved LEED certification, with 16 being Platinum and 8 Gold.
President Faruque Hassan emphasized that qualifying for LEED certification requires significant investment, vision, and commitment to the planet and future generations. With 500 more factories in the queue for LEED certification, he expressed optimism for more surprises in the journey towards sustainable industrialization.
This remarkable achievement solidifies Bangladesh’s position as a preferred sourcing destination for global brands and reinforces the nation’s dedication to a sustainable and eco-friendly future. The RMG industry’s commitment to LEED certification is a testament to Bangladesh’s unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation in manufacturing.
