Bangladesh stands as a global inspiration with the highest number of green garment factories worldwide, according to a top official from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the organization responsible for awarding Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification. The nation now boasts 209 LEED-certified factories, with 79 rated platinum, 116 gold, 10 silver, and the rest labeled green.
The country is home to the world’s highest-rated green building, SM Sourcing, scoring an impressive 106 out of 110 points. Bangladesh leads in LEED-certified garment factories, with 54 out of the top 100 and 18 out of the top 20 green factories.
Santanu Dutta Gupta, USGBC Faculty and Associate Director of Market Development from Green Building Council Institute (GBCI), noted that Bangladesh’s achievements in green building are widely recognized not only in Southeast and South Asia but also in the Western world. Gupta highlighted that even Vietnam, a direct competitor in the global garment trade, inquired about Bangladesh’s success in the green garment segment.
The impact of Bangladesh becoming the global leader in green garment factories has enhanced the country’s image, attracting significant work orders from international clothing retailers and brands. Gupta, who has been involved in setting up green garment factories in Vietnam, emphasized the uniqueness of obtaining 106 out of 110 points and stressed the importance of maintaining such a spirit.
Mirza Shams Mahmud Shakti, CEO of SM Sourcing, emphasized that LEED is not just a certificate but an effective business management system. He noted that understanding and following LEED concepts bring significant benefits, with SM Sourcing serving as a shining example. Ananta Ahmed, an International Green Building Expert, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the costs of adopting LEED concepts are outweighed by the substantial benefits.