Bangladesh’s apparel industry has achieved a new global milestone in sustainable manufacturing, with 36 factories earning international environmental compliance certifications in a single year, surpassing the previous record of 30 in 2022.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said 22 of the factories received the highest-level LEED Platinum certification, highlighting the country’s commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable operations.
The certifications are awarded by the US Green Building Council under its globally recognised Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system, which evaluates facilities against strict environmental standards that evolve over time.
With the latest surge, Bangladesh now has a total of 268 LEED-certified garment factories, including 114 Platinum, 135 Gold, 15 Silver, and four Certified facilities. Notably, 68 of the world’s top 100 highest-rated LEED-certified factories are located in the country, underscoring its role as a global benchmark in sustainable manufacturing.
Mohiuddin Rubel, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange and additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Limited, said the achievement reflects the industry’s strong commitment to sustainable development. “We are now setting a positive example for the world,” he said.
