Photo: Courtesy
In the first five months of 2024, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable fashion, with 12 factories earning LEED certification.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building rating system that emphasizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
This recent accomplishment brings Bangladesh's total to 218 LEED-certified green factories, underscoring the country's commitment to green initiatives within the garment sector, according to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel.
Of the 218 certified factories, 84 have achieved the highest, platinum rating, 120 have earned gold, 10 silver, and 4 are certified, as reported by the BGMEA.
In the first five months of 2024, eight of the newly certified factories received the platinum rating, while the remaining four were awarded gold. Notable performers include S.M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 with 104 points. Other high scorers include Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Remi Holdings Ltd with 97 points, and Fatullah Apparels, also scoring 97 points.
Bangladesh’s achievement positions the country as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 56 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located here, according to BGMEA. This includes 9 of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, based on BGMEA data.
The geographic distribution of these certifications within Bangladesh illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability.
By proactively achieving LEED ratings, Bangladesh's garments industry is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship, positioning the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices.
LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation.
LEED-certified buildings are critical to addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities. LEED is a holistic system that doesn’t simply focus on one building element, such as energy, water or health. Instead, it looks at the big picture, factoring in all critical elements that work together to create the best building possible.
Of all LEED credits, 35 per cent relate to climate change, 20 per cent directly impact human health, 15 per cent impact water resources, 10 per cent affect biodiversity, 10 per cent relate to the green economy, and 5 per cent impact community and natural resources.
Messenger/Disha
