Bangladesh Strengthens Global Leadership with Two New LEED-Certified RMG Factories

Mohammad Swaif Ullah

Two more ready-made garment (RMG) factories in Bangladesh have been awarded the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), further solidifying the country's status as a global leader in sustainable apparel manufacturing, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

With these new additions, Bangladesh now has 237 LEED-certified factories, including 95 platinum-rated, 128 gold-rated, 10 silver-rated, and four certified facilities.

In February, Columbia Apparels Ltd, a Gazipur-based factory unit, earned a gold certification under the LEED O+M: Existing Building v4.1 rating system with a score of 77. Meanwhile, Banga Fashion Ltd, another Gazipur-based factory, received a platinum certification with a score of 87 under the same system.

Bangladesh continues to dominate the global rankings, with 63 of the world's top 100 LEED-certified factories, including nine of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20.

This remarkable progress is expected to attract new investments and strengthen international partnerships, reinforcing Bangladesh's position as a sustainable manufacturing hub. The country holds both the highest and second-highest rankings for green factories worldwide.

The rapid expansion of LEED-certified factories is attributed to the RMG sector's strong commitment to environmental sustainability, which is crucial for the industry's long-term growth. Industry insiders reveal that 550 more factories are currently awaiting LEED certification from the USGBC.

Bangladesh has been securing LEED certifications since 2011, with the USGBC assessing factories based on criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and overall sustainability performance. The platinum certification is awarded to the highest-performing factories, followed by gold and silver rankings.

Industry experts highlight that while green factories involve higher initial investments, they significantly reduce operational costs in the long run and provide safer working environments for employees.

Former BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel emphasized that Bangladesh's steady increase in LEED-certified factories reflects the sector's proactive approach to sustainability and responsible manufacturing. He added that through continuous innovation and collaboration, the RMG sector is well-positioned to achieve greater milestones and cement its reputation as a leader in ethical and eco-friendly production.

Furthermore, global consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable clothing, and Bangladesh is meeting this demand by rapidly expanding its green factory infrastructure.

Industry leaders also acknowledge that the push toward eco-friendly factories has helped restore Bangladesh’s international reputation, particularly in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 1,134 lives and injured over 2,000 workers.

As Bangladesh moves forward with its commitment to green manufacturing, its RMG sector continues to set global benchmarks in sustainability and innovation.