Two more RMG factories gets LEED certification

Two more ready-made garment (RMG) factories have received the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

With this, Bangladesh has further solidified its position as a global leader in environmentally friendly apparel manufacturing.

The country now boasts 237 LEED-certified factories, including 95 platinum-rated, 128 gold-rated, 10 silver-rated, and four certified factories.

In February, Columbia Apparels Ltd, a factory unit based in Gazipur, obtained a gold certificate from the USGBC under the LEED O+M: Existing Building v4.1 rating system with a score of 77.

Another Gazipur-based factory, Banga Fashion Ltd, earned a platinum certificate from the USGBC with a score of 87 under the same rating system.

Sixty-three of the world's top 100 LEED-certified factories are located in Bangladesh, including nine of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20.

This success is expected to attract new investment and partnerships, further reinforcing Bangladesh's position as a sustainable manufacturing hub.

Moreover, Bangladesh holds both the highest and second-highest rankings for green factories globally. The rapid expansion of LEED-certified green factories in the country is directly attributed to the RMG sector's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, which is critical for the industry's long-term viability and prosperity, according to industry insiders.

They also revealed that 550 factories are currently awaiting LEED certification from the USGBC.

Bangladesh's factory units have been obtaining LEED certification since 2011.

The USGBC assesses factories based on several criteria, including transformation performance, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. The best-performing factories are awarded platinum certification, followed by gold and silver.

Industry insiders noted that while green factories may involve higher initial setup costs, they significantly reduce operational expenses over time.

These factories also ensure a safe working environment for employees.

Former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel remarked that the steady growth in LEED certifications reflects the sector's proactive approach to sustainability and responsible manufacturing.

He added that through continued collaboration and unwavering dedication, the Bangladesh RMG sector is poised to achieve even greater milestones, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in sustainable and ethical production.

Rubel further noted that consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding eco-conscious clothing, and Bangladesh is meeting this demand by embracing LEED certification.

According to apparel manufacturers, the shift towards green factory buildings has helped restore Bangladesh's global reputation following the Rana Plaza tragedy, which claimed 1,134 lives and injured more than 2,000 people.