Bangladesh has strengthened its position as a global hub for sustainable garment manufacturing, with the total number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified factories reaching 263.

This milestone followed the recent certification of two more factories by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

Gazipur-based AG Dresses Limited and Fin Bangla Apparels Ltd both achieved platinum certification under the LEED O+M: Existing Buildings v4 rating system, scoring 106 and 104, respectively.

The recognition of these two factories reflects their stringent performance in energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction, and overall operational sustainability.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), of the 263 green factories, 111 hold platinum status, 133 are gold-rated, 15 silver-rated, and four are certified.

Meanwhile, around 550 factories are awaiting USGBC LEED certification, highlighting the sector’s ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible production.

Industry experts said that while green factory setups often involve higher initial costs, their efficiency gains significantly reduce long-term operational expenses.

Moreover, the country’s shift towards eco-friendly manufacturing has helped restore Bangladesh’s global image following the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy, which claimed over 1,100 lives.

The continued growth of LEED-certified factories is expected to attract new foreign investment and partnerships, further consolidating Bangladesh’s reputation as a sustainable manufacturing hub.

Since 2011, the country’s garment sector has steadily embraced LEED standards, signalling both environmental responsibility and a strategic edge in the competitive global apparel market.