Bangladesh has added three more readymade garment (RMG) factories to its growing list of internationally recognised green factories, bringing the total to 261 LEED-certified units.

The newly certified Faisal Spinning Mills Limited Units 1, 2, and 3 in Habiganj join the country’s expanding network of environmentally sustainable factories, reinforcing Bangladesh’s position as a global leader in green manufacturing.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), of these 261 green factories, 109 are platinum-rated, 133 hold gold certification, 15 have silver rating, and four are certified under the basic LEED standard.

In August, Faisal Spinning Mills Limited’s Unit-1, 2, and 3, located in Habiganj, were awarded silver certificates under the LEED BD+C: New Construction v4 rating system, achieving a score of 58.

Bangladesh now hosts 68 of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified factories, including 18 of the top 20 globally, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable manufacturing. Industry insiders say this achievement is expected to attract further investment and international partnerships.

Currently, some 550 Bangladeshi factories are awaiting United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a process the country has actively pursued since 2011.

The USGBC evaluates factories based on several sustainability criteria, including transformation performance, energy efficiency, water usage, and waste management.

Platinum-rated factories represent the highest level of performance, followed by gold and silver. Experts note that while initial setup costs may be higher, green-certified factories can achieve significant operational cost savings over time.

Sector leaders said that the move towards sustainable factory buildings has played a key role in restoring Bangladesh’s image following the Rana Plaza disaster, which claimed 1,134 lives and left more than 2,000 injured.