Bangladesh's SM Sourcing tops global LEED Green Factory ranking
Bangladesh has made remarkable strides as 54 of the world's top 100 ranked factories are now located here
Bangladeshi garment factory SM Sourcing Ltd has climbed to the top of the global Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Factory ranking, achieving an impressive score of 106 out of a possible 110.
Previously, the place was held by Green Textiles Ltd Unit 4, another Bangladeshi factory, with 104 points.
Bangladesh has made remarkable strides as 54 of the world's top 100-ranked factories, including 9 of the top 10, and 18 of the top 20, are now located in the country.
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This achievement is poised to attract further investment and partnerships, solidifying Bangladesh's position as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, said Mohiuddin Rubel, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
He said Bangladesh has 206 LEED Green factories, including 76 Platinum-rated and 116 Gold-rated, solidifying its commitment to environmental stewardship.
"This rapid growth, with 24 new factories certified in just the past six months, including 16 Platinum and 8 Gold, showcases our pivotal role in propelling the country towards global leadership in eco-friendly garment production."
The fast increase in LEED-certified green factories in Bangladesh is a clear and direct consequence of the garment industry's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, he said.
This dedication to sustainability is not only worthy of praise but also absolutely crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and success of our industry, said Mohiuddin Rubel.
LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, "Qualifying for LEED certification is not an easy task, it requires significant investment and most importantly it requires a vision and commitment to our planet and our future generations. Every single step taken by a factory earns a point, and every point earned justifies a unique contribution to our planet earth."
The RMG industry in Bangladesh, once being questioned for its workplace safety standards, has emerged as a role model for its workplace safety standard and cleaner manufacturing, Faruque Hassan said.
"More importantly, through our actions and improvements Bangladesh continues to be a preferred sourcing destination for the global brands. We have 500 more factories in the queue to get LEED certification, and I believe more surprises are waiting ahead," he added.
The BGMEA chief went on to say, "Despite all the hurdles the industry is passing through (especially in the past few years caused by the pandemic, global conflicts causing inflation, and now impacting the retail industries and consumer spending. Such a marathon in revolutionising green industrialisation, is a testament to our uncompromised stance toward sustainability.
