The garment sector in Bangladesh is rapidly transforming its manufacturing units into green factories. Manufacturers have been focusing on building green factories to meet the growing demand for environment-friendly products in the international market. The process will preserve the environment from pollution and encourage international retailers to place more work orders, thus helping the country to achieve its vision of $50 billion of readymade garment exports by 2021.

Green buildings have numerous benefits, including reduction of energy consumption by more than 24 per cent and water consumption by 50 per cent. Garment factory owners are interested in building green factories to reduce health and safety hazards at the workplace as well as the cost of doing business. Such factories also increase productivity and help create a brand image.

So far, 35 garment factories from Bangladesh have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the United States Green Building Council. To receive this certification, building projects must satisfy certain prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Of the factories, nine have been conferred platinum status, 17 gold status, and seven silver status.

LEED is a green-building certification program that recognises best-in-class building strategies and practices.