How HAMS Garments achieved top green factory recognition

Of the 110,774 green buildings recognised worldwide, HAMS Garments Ltd has secured a top position, scoring 108 out of 110 points under the latest certification.

The factory owners said they had to spend less than Tk2 crore additionally to obtain recognition as a top green factory.

Although the factory does not receive higher prices from foreign buyers for green production, Shafiqur Rahman, managing director of HAMS, told The Business Standard that the recognition helps keep the company "in buyers' good books." "It is a prestigious achievement," he said.

Ananta Ahmed, managing director of 360 TSL, which works on green buildings in Bangladesh and provided technical support to HAMS for the certification, told TBS that globally, about 30 buildings have scored more than 100 points, of which nine are in Bangladesh. Notably, all of the top five such facilities are located in Bangladesh.

Explaining why HAMS scored higher than others, Ananta said the factory successfully met the criteria it had targeted within the stipulated timeframe, which helped it secure the score.

He added that the factory missed two points mainly because it could not meet the outside water-saving criteria. "There was not enough space outside the factory area to fulfil that requirement," he said.

Ananta said the main criteria for green certification include comparisons with set benchmarks on water consumption and how much energy use is reduced through energy-efficient technologies.

He said the indoor environment of the factory or building is also assessed, along with the percentage of open space outside the factory building maintained as green areas.

He added that scoring also considers, if crops are grown in green spaces, how irrigation is managed and what types of fertilisers or pesticides are used there.

He further said that the amount of carbon emissions generated by workers' commuting to and from the factory is also taken into consideration.

"Bangladesh enjoys a comparative advantage in this regard," Ananta said, noting that many workers commute on foot, which keeps carbon emissions lower and helps raise scores.

He added that areas such as location and transportation planning, site selection and management, policies and procedures, audits, training and human development, preventive maintenance systems, procurement strategy, product and material selection, and operational discipline and documentation do not require extra costs, yet together account for around half of the total score.

The factory owner said the facility, which employs about 7,000 workers, had to spend nearly Tk2 crore additionally to achieve the highest score.

Shafiqur Rahman told TBS, "The use of environmentally friendly technologies has reduced water consumption by 30% and energy use by 20% at the factory."

For the achievement, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) accorded a special reception to HAMS Garments Ltd yesterday.

Speaking at the event, BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haque Khan said HAMS Garments Ltd set a new world record by scoring 108 out of 110 under the US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Platinum certification.

"The achievement is not just about numbers but represents the highest score among green factories worldwide," he said.

"The success has taken the prestige and capability of the 'Made in Bangladesh' brand to a new height globally and has created a global benchmark for Bangladesh's garment sector," he added.