RMG sector takes lead in safe, green factories globally

Staff Reporter :
The country’s apparel industry is now poised to take the lead in safe and green factories globally, as the sector has commendable good practices.
The best practices have been featured in the Good Practices in the global apparel industry, the latest publication launched by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Bangladesh has already earned global accolades as one of the safest and green apparel exporting countries in the world.
Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has been invited to a webinar organized by the ITC on October 13 to share his views, insights and experience of operating the apex body of the apparel sector.
He will also be shedding lights on the best practices and initiatives of BGMEA and the clothing sector in Bangladesh at large in the webinar.
BGMEA has been selected in the publication as a case study of best practices in the category of “Effective management of industry association.”
With 173 green factories accredited by the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed), Bangladesh currently leads the globe in the RMG industry’s progress towards being green.
Green factories are expected to help reduce energy use by 40 per cent, water consumption by more than 30 per cent, and carbon dioxide emissions, further ensuring environmental safety.
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.
The RMG sector has taken the lead in green manufacturing with 54 in the platinum category, 105 in gold, 10 in silver and another four Leed-certified factory buildings as of September 27.
Moreover, 42 industrial units out of the world’s top 100 Leed-certified industrial units are in Bangladesh and another 550 factories are in pipeline or registered to get USGBC’s Leed certification.
By addressing mounting issues of sustainability, climate change, groundwater depletion and efficiency Bangladesh’s garment industry is now poised to take the lead globally.
The BGMEA is working for creating a sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally  
friendly apparel industry and increase innovation, recycling, and the circular economy.
Moreover, BGMEA pledges to the Green Button, which is a global seal of excellence in sustainability by the government of Germany.
BGMEA’s Director Mohiuddin Rubel said that Bangladesh is the leader in this as once people questioned investing in a Leed-certified factory but now we can see fruits of the labor by visionary entrepreneurs.
Buyers are very cautious about protecting the environment and the Leed-certified factories will not only be an option but will be mandatory in future, he added.
“Bangladesh is doing very well in terms of green and sustainable factories and has already made significant investments which will answer the questions that will arise about eco-friendly production in the future,” Rubel said.