United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry has set a new global benchmark in sustainable (green) manufacturing, securing a record-breaking 38 new LEED certifications in 2025. This marks the highest number of green factory certifications achieved by the sector in a single year, further cementing the country’s position as the world leader in eco-friendly apparel production, said Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, an organization established to promote the apparel industry. The 2025 achievement is defined by a significant leap in quality. Of the 38 newly certified factories, 22 achieved the prestigious LEED Platinum rating, while 11 earned Gold and 5 received Silver. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the world's most widely used green building rating system, recognizing projects that meet high standards for sustainable design, construction, operation, and maintenance, covering energy efficiency, water conservation, materials, and indoor air quality, with levels from Certified to Platinum based on points earned, providing a framework for healthier, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly buildings. The LEED developed by the non-profit US Green Building Council (USGBC). The apparel sector experts said that notably, no factories settled for basic certification, signaling a strategic shift from simple regulatory compliance toward high-level environmental excellence. Read more: Bangladesh consolidates global leadership with 268 LEED-certified RMG factories With these latest additions, Bangladesh now hosts a total of 270 LEED-certified garment factories. The country’s green portfolio currently includes-114 Platinum facilities, 137 Gold facilities, 15 Silver and 4 Certified facilities This represents the highest concentration of top-tier LEED-certified factories globally. Industry leaders attribute this progress to long-term investments by manufacturers and strategic guidance from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). "The momentum gained in 2025 reflects a proactive alignment with evolving global standards," said Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director, BGMEA and Managing Director, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange. "As international buyers and regulators, particularly in the EU, demand lower environmental footprints, our manufacturers are leading the way in carbon efficiency and water stewardship." Read more: Bangladesh sets new record with 36 factories earning LEED certification in a year The record-breaking performance is seen as a preparation for the next phase of global trade requirements, including carbon pricing mechanisms and digital transparency frameworks. By integrating green buildings with circular production models, the Bangladeshi RMG sector is positioning itself as not only the largest but also the most future-ready apparel exporter in the world.

Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understating (MOU) under which the state-owned agency will help garment industries to install rooftop solar power in order to transform them into green industries. Welcoming the agreement between the two private and public bodies, Prime Minister’s Energy Advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said the initiative will create some foots and grounds for promotion of renewable energy in the garment sector. Read: Rooftop solar power: ‘Net metering can ensure cheaper electricity for garment factories’ “This will open up the door for others to follow”, he told the agreement signing function joining it virtually.  Sreda secretary Niaz Rahman and BGMEA Secretary Abdur Razzak signed the MOU on behalf of their respective sides while Sreda chairman Mohammad Alauddin and BGMEA president Rubana Huq, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Kaikaus addressed the function.  As per the agreement, the Sreda and BGMEA will create coordination in raising  awareness about renewable energy in the garment sector, pursue for central bank’s green funding and also investment from banking sector.  Read: Rooftop solar: Power companies instructed to float net metering promotion plan Nasrul Hamid said the country’s industrial sector consumes nearly 48 percent of their total power generation and garment industries lead the sector by consuming 30 percent of total industrial load.  If the garment industry pursues energy efficiency, it will reduce their 17.6 percent consumption, he added.  Sreda chairman Mohammad Alauddin said there is huge scope for renewable energy promotion in garment sector. Read Green energy's share of power generation lagging far behind conventional sources