<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>In 2023, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry marked a significant stride in sustainable fashion, with 24 of its factories achieving LEED certification.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the globally recognized green building rating system, underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.</div><div><br></div><div>This recent certification brings Bangladesh's total to 206 LEED-certified green factories, a testament to the country's dedication to green initiatives within the garments sector, according to BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel.</div><div><br></div><div>The BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) reports a breakdown of these certifications, with 76 achieving the highest, platinum rating, and 116 receiving a gold rating.</div><div><br></div><div>This progress is particularly notable in the context of the global apparel industry's increasing focus on sustainable practices.</div><div><br></div><div>Of the 24 newly LEED-certified factories, a majority, 16, were awarded the prestigious platinum rating, while the remaining 8 achieved a gold rating.</div><div><br></div><div>Standout performers in 2023 included S. M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 scoring 104 points. Also noteworthy are Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Lida Textile &amp; Dying Limited with 97 points, and Liz Fashion Industry Limited scoring 96 points, as detailed by BGMEA.</div><div><br></div><div>This achievement positions Bangladesh as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 54 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located in the country.</div><div><br></div><div>This includes 9 of the top 10, and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, according to BGMEA data.</div><div><br></div><div>&nbsp;Mohiuddin Rubel, director at BGMEA, highlights this as a potential catalyst for increased investment and partnership opportunities in the Bangladesh RMG industry.</div><div><br></div><div>The geographic spread of these certifications within Bangladesh further illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability.</div><div><br></div><div>The majority of the 2023 certifications were in Gazipur (15 factories), followed by Dhaka (4), Chattogram (3), and Mymensingh (2). This regional distribution indicates a nationwide embrace of LEED principles in the Bangladesh garments sector.</div><div><br></div><div>Currently, over 500 Bangladeshi factories are in the process of obtaining their LEED certification, signaling a robust and ongoing commitment to green practices in the Bangladesh RMG industry.</div><div><br></div><div>This move towards sustainable fashion not only aligns with global environmental goals but also positions Bangladesh as a forward-thinking leader in the green manufacturing space.</div><div><br></div><div>The significant increase in LEED-certified green factories within Bangladesh's RMG sector in 2023 is a clear indicator of the industry's commitment to sustainable fashion.</div><div><br></div><div>With the Bangladesh garments industry taking proactive steps to achieve LEED ratings, it sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship and positions the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>