Bangladesh has strengthened its position as a global hub for sustainable garment manufacturing, with the number of LEED-certified factories rising to 268 following the recent certification of five more readymade garment factories by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The newly certified factories include Pakiza Knit Composite Limited in Savar, Dhaka, which achieved platinum status under the LEED O+M: Existing Buildings v4.1 rating system with 87 points, Fashion Pulse Limited in BSCIC Industrial Estate, Dhaka, and GAVA Private Limited in Dhaka, both achieving platinum certification under LEED BD+C: New Construction v4 with 87 points each.

Visual Knitwears Ltd in Jala, Chattogram, received a gold rating under LEED O+M: Existing Buildings v4.1 with 76 points, while Talisman Performance Ltd in CEPZ, South Halishahar, Chattogram, was awarded a gold certification under LEED BD+C: New Construction v4 with 62 points.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), of the 268 green factories, 114 hold platinum status, 135 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.

The country’s shift towards eco-friendly manufacturing has also helped restore Bangladesh’s global image following the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy, which claimed more than 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 nation’s garment sector has steadily embraced LEED standards, signalling both environmental responsibility and a strategic advantage in the competitive global apparel market.