Garment factories in Bangladesh are adopting sustainable practices. The sector has made impressive efforts to embrace green practices and ensure well-being of workers. Some 67 garment factories of Bangladesh have obtained a highly regarded global certification -- the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) of the US Green Building Council. Another 222 factories have registered to obtain the recognition.

Currently, Bangladesh has 13 platinum-rated, 20 gold-rated, 27 silver-rated and 7 LEED-certified garment factories. Seven of the world’s top ten green factories are from Bangladesh, including the top three platinum-rated industrial units. Platinum is the highest level of certification that a factory can earn.

Green factories in Bangladesh are not only about saving energy or water or protecting the environment. They are also about ensuring a safe workplace. A green factory also houses schools, childcare, health care, recreation and training facilities dedicated to workers.

The two-storey Eco Couture is LEED gold-certified and is located on a 1,44,000 sq ft space where all operations from sewing to packing of a product take place. Eco Couture is designed in the concept of an opera house where artistes work. Garment workers are treated like artistes as they are involved in innovative work.