Bangladesh has achieved a major milestone in sustainable industrial development, with 253 ready-made garment (RMG) factories now certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. This accomplishment highlights Bangladesh’s role as a worldwide leader in sustainable clothing production. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awards the LEED certification, which is among the best-known international criteria for eco-friendly buildings. It evaluates sustainability across categories such as energy use, water efficiency, carbon emissions, and indoor environmental quality. With this certification, Bangladesh now stands out as the country with the highest number of LEED-certified RMG units in the world. Among the 253 certified factories, 56 have achieved the prestigious Platinum status—LEED’s highest rating. These facilities incorporate advanced technologies and designs to reduce environmental impact, such as solar energy systems, water recycling processes, natural lighting optimization, and energy-efficient machinery. Additionally, 110 are certified Gold, 10 Silver, and 77 factories hold general LEED certification. This progress reflects a conscious shift within Bangladesh’s apparel sector toward more sustainable and responsible production practices. The industry, which is the backbone of the national economy and contributes the lion’s share of export earnings, has been under global scrutiny for environmental and labor standards. In response, manufacturers are investing heavily in green transformation to attract top global brands committed to sustainable sourcing. Industry leaders note that this transformation is not only about certifications but also about enhancing Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the international market. As global buyers increasingly prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, LEED-certified factories offer a clear advantage. These factories provide safer working environments, consume fewer resources, and reduce the overall carbon footprint of apparel production. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has been instrumental in encouraging member factories to adopt green standards. The organization has set ambitious goals to further increase the number of green factories and position Bangladesh as a sustainable manufacturing hub in South Asia. Moreover, the government has supported these efforts through policy incentives and easier access to financing for energy-efficient upgrades. International development agencies have also partnered with the sector to offer technical assistance and training. With climate change and resource scarcity becoming critical global challenges, Bangladesh’s RMG sector is demonstrating how industrial growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. This achievement serves as a model for other sectors to pursue sustainability without compromising economic progress.
