Faruque Hassan, the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry ascended to a global pinnacle, boasting the highest count of green factories worldwide.

‘This achievement can be attributed to a confluence of factors including adept industry leadership, progressive government policies, substantial private sector investments, and active workers’ participation’, he said.

Faruque Hassan underscored that the RMG sector of the nation emerged as a trailblaser in eco-conscious manufacturing on a global scale.

‘It stands as a remarkable exemplar of how an industry can undergo a metamorphosis, embracing enhanced sustainability and environmental stewardship,’ he said.

He emphasised that the growing trend towards establishing green factories signified a paradigm shift towards conscientious and sustainable business practices.

‘Such a transformation also holds the potential to usher in a host of benefits for workers, encompassing heightened job security, improved working conditions, skill augmentation, and the cultivation of a more ethical and sustainable workplace ethos,’ he said.

Presently, the clothing factories in Bangladesh have transcended their erstwhile state, evolving into safer, vibrant, contemporary, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly establishments.

Faruque pointed out that this evolution could wield profound advantages, positioning Bangladesh favourably for heightened competitiveness in the global commercial arena.

Moreover, this shift is poised to attract discerning consumers and investors who prioritise environmental mindfulness.

However, Faruque again highlighted that the attainment of a competitive edge through green factories hinged upon concerted efforts from both the governmental and private sectors.

He further appealed for the government’s proactive provision of incentives, policies, and backing for sustainable endeavours.

Simultaneously, businesses must ardently commit to the assimilation of green technologies and practices to maximise advantages for themselves and the wider ecosystem.

Faruque eloquently expressed that as the industry pivots towards eco-friendly and cleaner production methods, it not only serves as a guardian of the environment but also augments efficiency and competitive prowess.

Reflecting upon the past decade’s trajectory, Faruque extolled the monumental strides made by the RMG sector in Bangladesh.

The transformation encompassed a comprehensive overhaul of safety protocols, environmental sustainability, policies, and administrative regulations.

BGMEA emerged as a vanguard in championing compliance and protective measures across the industry, actively contributing to the establishment of standards and guidelines for the seamless transition of traditional factories into green ones.

In remembrance of the tragic Rana Plaza building collapse in 2013, Faruque evoked the subsequent surge of collaborative efforts.

In the wake of this catastrophic incident, the Bangladesh government responded with a series of profound policy reforms and decisive actions that have reshaped the landscape of the country’s RMG industry, he said.

Subsequently, a coordinated response encompassing the government, International Labour Organization (ILO), local and international labor federations, and global brands led to the creation of the National Action Plan, the ‘Accord,’ and the ‘Alliance,’ all aimed at ensuring the safety of RMG factories.

To diligently monitor the trajectory of this transformative journey, Bangladesh entered into a joint declaration in 2013, titled the ‘Sustainability Compact,’ in partnership with ILO, the European Union, the United States, and Canada. This pact was instrumental in overseeing the progress achieved in this sphere.

‘Thanks to these far-reaching measures, Bangladesh’s RMG factories now stand as paragons of safety and gender sensitivity on a global scale,’ the BGMEA president said adding, ‘We firmly maintain that achieving the desired levels of efficiency is intrinsically linked to the establishment of a workplace environment that prioritises the well-being of our workers,’.

As an outcome of these cumulative influences, the Bangladesh RMG industry has solidified its global supremacy in environmentally responsible manufacturing, boasting the highest count of LEED-certified factories across the globe.

This accomplishment has catalysed an impressive shift in the global supply chain, with numerous leading international brands now choosing to procure their products from this hub, as emphasised by the business luminary.

The visionary business leader also emphasised the profound significance of the ecological transformation of the Bangladesh ready-made garment industry, a triumph that is poised to forge ahead in the years to come.

‘Presently, we proudly tout a total of 198 LEED green factories, a remarkable tally wherein 71 bear the esteemed platinum rating, while 113 have secured gold certification,’ he said.

An astonishing 54 out of the world’s top 100 LEED green factories have found their abode in Bangladesh.

‘It’s equally noteworthy that approximately 500 additional factories are actively progressing towards their certification,’ said the head of the apex trade body representing the RMG sector.

These establishments stand as exemplars of cutting-edge engineering, meticulously outfitted to harness energy and natural resources optimally.

These advanced facilities incorporate innovative features such as rainwater harvesting and daylight optimization, fostering a salubrious and hygienic milieu, he noted.

Faruque attributed the surge in environmentally friendly factory initiatives to a harmonious blend of ethical, economic, and strategic motivations among entrepreneurs.

He underscored that a growing cohort of business proprietors comprehends the significance of environmental sustainability and shoulders a profound sense of societal responsibility to curtail their ecological footprint.

In tandem with this, a considerable fraction of these forward-thinking entrepreneurs are embracing ecologically-responsible practices to align with evolving regulatory standards.

Governments and international bodies are progressively tightening environmental mandates and emissions criteria, thus galvanising an earnest commitment towards eco-friendly paradigms, said Faruque.

Contrary to the misperception that sustainable initiatives translate to elevated costs, astute entrepreneurs are discovering that enduring eco-conscious practices can yield substantial long-term savings.

Such practices encompass process optimization, reduction of losses, and transformative redesigns, explained the RMG leader.

Elaborating on the multifaceted benefits, the BGMEA president illuminated that integrating energy-efficient technologies could precipitate a significant dip in energy consumption and a consequent reduction in utility expenditures.

Moreover, curbing wastage and methodically optimising resource deployment holds the potential to pare down expenses associated with raw materials.

The impetus for adopting an environmentally conscious production schema is multifarious, encompassing market dynamics, consumer preferences, and competitive advantages.

He underscored that enterprises embracing sustainable paradigms could effectively differentiate themselves from their competitors, thereby enticing patrons who inherently prioritise eco-friendly alternatives.

The BGMEA President delineated an array of direct dividends attributed to green buildings, including bolstered factory image, the safeguarding of health and workplace well-being, and amplification in worker productivity.

Nonetheless, the business luminary acknowledged certain instances where certified factories enjoyed a competitive edge when securing orders.

He further stated that brands had not fully embraced the notion of paying a premium for sustainable products.

Explaining this point, the BGMEA president noted, ‘While the cost of setting up and operating a green factory is at least threefold higher, a corresponding enthusiasm from global brands in their procurement decisions would be greatly commendable… such a proactive stance could undeniably ignite a keen interest among manufacturers to transition towards sustainable practices.’

In advocating for the cause, Faruque elaborated that the wave of green factory establishment held significant promise for the workforce.

This encompassed job security, augmented wages, enticing incentives, fortified health and safety provisions, comprehensive training and skill augmentation, and avenues for innovative pursuits.

In specific scenarios, these establishments might even proffer elevated wages or performance-linked incentives, strategically designed to allure and retain proficient labour, the BGMEA president concluded.