Five new Bangladeshi readymade garment (RMG) factory units have achieved the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, raising the country’s total to 258.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), of the 258 certified factories, 109 are rated platinum, 133 gold, 12 silver, and four certified.

In August, Ashulia-based South End Sweater Company Ltd obtained a platinum certificate under the LEED BD+C: New Construction v4 rating system, scoring 85.

Sirajganj-based Purbani Fashion Ltd earned a platinum certificate under the LEED O+M: Existing Buildings v4.1 rating system, with a score of 83.

Chattogram-based KDS Fashion Ltd also achieved platinum under the LEED O+M: Existing Buildings v4.1 rating system, scoring 84.

In Mymensingh, Raidha Collection Ltd attained platinum status under the same system, with a score of 90.

In July, Gazipur-based Texeurop BD Ltd received a gold certificate under the LEED BD+C: New Construction v4 rating system, with a score of 70.

Bangladesh is now home to 68 of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified factories, including nine of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20.

Industry sources say this success is expected to attract fresh investment and partnerships, strengthening the country’s reputation as a sustainable manufacturing hub.

They added that some 550 more factories are currently awaiting LEED certification. Bangladesh began securing LEED recognition in 2011.

The USGBC evaluates facilities based on criteria such as energy and water efficiency, waste management, and overall performance, awarding platinum, gold, and silver ratings accordingly.

Industry insiders note that while building green factories often involves higher initial costs, they significantly reduce operational expenses over time.

Apparel manufacturers said that the shift towards green buildings has also helped restore Bangladesh’s image following the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, which claimed 1,134 lives and injured more than 2,000 people.