List of LEED Certified Green Garment Factories in Bangladesh

Introduction:
The garment and textile sector of Bangladesh has reached a unique height by setting up eco-friendly green garment factories. New features are being added to that success. The latest addition to that, 14 of the 27 industrial establishments in the world that are ranked in the top eco-friendly factories are from Bangladesh. Several organizations around the world certify environment friendly establishment. One of them is the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The company grants a certificate of eco-friendly establishment called ‘LEED”. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in association with USGBC and GBCI launched “LEED Green Factory Award” in recognition and celebration of Bangladesh’s RMG sector’s strides in green industrialization. A total of 13 best green building factories of Bangladesh were honored with “LEED Green Factory Award” to recognize their efforts in sustainability by achieving LEED Platinum certification.

What is LEED certification?
LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The full form of LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a certification program for green building. This certification program has numerous levels and ratings that recognize the best class building strategies in home-office, office, new construction, school, hospital, retail and more. Development of LEED began in 1993, spearheaded by Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) senior scientist Robert K. Watson. LEED certification is granted by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which handles the third-party verification of a project’s compliance with the LEED requirements.

LEED certification is a rating system that reviews a factory’s green initiatives such as sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere conservation, materials selection and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, regional priority and integrative process credits. To get the certificate, a project has to maintain the highest standards in everything from construction to production under the supervision of USGBC. Applications can be made after the construction of the building is completed or the old building is renovated. Projects pursuing LEED certification earn points for various green building strategies across several categories based on the number of points achieved; a project earns one of four LEED rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. LEED-certified buildings have 40-49 credits, silver rated buildings have 50-59 credits, gold rated buildings have 60-79 credits and 80+ credits for platinum rated buildings.

List of LEED Certified Green Garment Factories in Bangladesh
According to BGMEA, still now 135 LEED green garment factories certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) 9 out of the world’s top 10 green garment factories are in Bangladesh. 500 more factories are in the process of getting LEED certification.

Platinum, gold, silver and certified garment factories list are given below.

Top 10 LEED Certified Green Garment Factories in Bangladesh

1. Remi Holdings Ltd.
Bangladesh has set a world record for setting up eco-friendly factories. Some of the factories in Bangladesh have received the highest recognition of ‘Platinum’ as the ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)’ certificate of environment friendly factory. The factory that has recently become the best in the world with the highest quality is Remi Holdings Limited. Remi Holdings Limited, an eco-friendly garment factory, has started its journey at Adamji Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Narayanganj. It is a sister concern of Bitopi Group. The project Size of this garment is 245,947 sft. This factory has got the highest number among the garment factories in the world. It has got 97 points out of 110 possible points.

Skylights, helicopter fans are used to create a work-friendly environment for the nearly two and a half thousand workers working in the factory; There is a small garden on the production floor. This green factory uses solar panels to save energy, LED lights are used, each sewing machine is run on a servo motor with half the power consumption. In order to reduce the production cost, thermo oil heaters have been installed instead of stream boilers. There is a facility to retain rain water. The water used is purified and used repeatedly.

2. Tarasima Apparels Limited
BGMEA hosted an event with the USGBC to award certificates of recognition and crests to the 13 LEED Platinum certified factories in Bangladesh. Tarasima Apparels Ltd  was recognized for top scoring LEED certified factories in Bangladesh. It is a Ready Made Garments manufacturer with washing facility. TARASIMA APPARELS LTD is an Apparel and Fashion company located in Manikg and its corporate office in 822/3, Begum Rokeya Sharani, DHAKA, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh. It is a sister concern of Bitopi Group. The size of this project is 500,000 sft. This project follows the principles of the US “LEED” and the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It has got 93 points out of 110 possible points. Tarasima Apparels Ltd Awarded for “Supply Chain Sustainability” Category from IPDC Bangladesh Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2019.

Some of green features of this factory are given below:

1. The impact of Heat Island has been severely mitigated in the project of providing “covered parking and building roofs” with high albedo coatings at the factory.
2. The provisions of the campus-wide Building Automation System serve as the core of power and water management, including monitoring and control.
3. The use of treated water from ETP for flushing and landscape application facilitates the production of garments with low water impressions.
4. The use of green cleaning chemicals and carbon emission-free extruder cleaners further contributes to sustainable cleaning. Factory waste is converted to renewable energy using the TAL renewable method.

3. Plummy Fashion Limited
Plummy Fashions has received the ‘LEED Platinum’ certificate from USGBC as an environment friendly factory. This spectacular manufacturing unit is located in Narayanganj, 20 kilometers south from Dhaka city center. The size of this project is 56,390 sq ft. This project follows the principles of the U.S. “LEED” and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It has got 92 points out of 110 possible points. The factory has three two-storey buildings whose roof is made of tin sheet. Solar panels have been installed on the roof. The main two-storey factory building is made of steel (pre-fabricated building). There are long corridors on three sides. Bicycle camp are made next to the gate. Workers put their bicycles in the camp. Although there are five stairs to go up and down, there are 11 exit doors. The whole factory has been air-conditioned so that workers can work in comfort. There will always be a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. 13 percent of the electricity demand will come through solar panels installed on the roof of the factory. However , it will take half less electricity and water than other ready-made garment factories. This factory has a big and beautiful tranquil garden. A natural lake located inside the factory premises not only ensures a balanced eco system but also gives a feeling of relaxation and tranquility which is important in a busy world.

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4. Mithela Textile Industries Limited
Bangladesh is the role model in the world for green industry and Mithela Group is a green and clean industrial model for the 21st century. A sister concern of Mithela group, Mithela Textile Industries Limited (MTIL) is world’s first LEED Platinum Certified Green Textile factory in Bangladesh, established with world-class excellence in 2016 in Narayangonj. It has got 91 points out of 110 possible points.

The size of this project is 109,138 sq ft. About 50 percent of the area is vacant, where afforestation has taken place. There is a huge pond in the factory area. Rainwater from the shed falls directly into the pond. The water of this clear water pond is used for gardening and fire fighting. Besides, different species of fish have been cultivated in this pond. The factory building has been constructed on the remaining space leaving enough open space. Mithela Textile Industries Limited is concerned about its employees. There are maximum and modern security measures for the workers. From installing the latest ventilation unit to protect the factory premises from Thunder, they have taken every possible step to make it easier for their employees to work. Their labs have got technologically advanced machinery that doesn’t just help them in dyeing fabrics but also produces woven fabrics from yarns that are further exported to various renowned brands.

5. Vintage Denim Studio Limited
Vintage Denim Studio Ltd is the first RMG factory in Bangladesh. It was honored with LEED Platinum in recognition of its green revolution. It is located in Pabna District, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The size of this project is 185,215 sq ft. It has got 90 points out of 110 possible points. This factory has emerged as an icon on the global apparel landscape by any parameter. The specialties of the project are 10% renewable energy, Water cost reduction by 53%, Carbon footprint lowered by 45%, Energy cost reduction by 46%, Green image for the facility and the group, Enhanced occupant comfort, Health and safety of the building occupants, Improve productivity and quality of occupants.

6. AR Jeans Producer Limited
AR Jeans producer Limited consists of two multi storied buildings where post processing of Ready Made Garments takes place. AR Jeans producer Limited had become a trailblazer in sustainability by becoming the 14th project in Bangladesh to get LEED Platinum level certification. The project has scored a whopping 90 points out of 110 points in LEED green scale. The size of this project is 186,719 sq ft.

Some of the key green features implemented in this project are as follows:

• The owners have selected the location of A R Jeans Producer Ltd carefully. All the essential facilities and amenities are located within 500 metres, including market, school, mosque and bus stops. The site also provides secure bicycle parking facilities and encourages the use of non-fossil fuel transport.
• Every drop of water that enters the factory site is carefully controlled. A rainwater management plant prevents rainwater from leaving the site. Rain water is collected in a harvesting tank and re-cycled for toilet flushing and Plantation purposes.
• A R Jeans Producer Ltd. has installed carbon dioxide sensor to monitor the level of CO₂ in the occupied areas. Depending on the CO₂ level feedback from sensors triggers fans to regulate fresh air flow.
• A 45 KW capacity solar power plant with highly efficient mono crystalline panels is a key component of its green strategy.
• Energy Efficient LED lights, Servo motor driven sewing machines and Variable Flow Drive controlled compressors are installed in project buildings to achieve energy cost savings of 43% than the conventional building. Energy recovery ventilators are provided in all the conditioned spaces to minimize energy use without compromising occupant comfort.
• Windows in the buildings are maximized and optimised in such a way that more than 77% of the space is daylighted.
• More than 40% (By Cost) of local materials has been used for construction to support the local economy and to reduce the environmental impact resulting from transportation.
• More than 20% materials used for construction of this project have been recycled. This has been done to reduce the environmental impact resulting from extraction and transport.
• Workers safety is a prime concern at A R Jeans Producer Ltd. Unlike conventional multi-story buildings PFL has been designed as low level two story facility which promotes easy fast and safe evacuation in case of fire. Five emergency exits in each floor has been installed ensuring the highest level of safety.

7. Karooni Knit Composite Ltd
Karooni knit composite is one of the fastest growing factories in Bangladesh. It is located in Gazipur District, Dhaka.The size of this project is 304,700 sq ft. It is also known as LEED platinum certified garment factory in Bangladesh. Karooni Knit Composite was awarded LEED platinum certification on April 14, 2020. It has got 90 points out of 110 possible points.

Karooni Knit Composite is a factory with a sustainable system for supply, manufacturing, customer relations, purchasing, research and development, environmental management and corporate social responsibility. It is a top quality innovative apparel and textile conglomerate with manufacturing facility from Bangladesh. This factory works with empowerment and inspiration of their partners, transparency in their work process, continuous development of skills, meeting customer needs and expectations, while maintaining the quality and continuity of their products and services.

8. Designer Fashion Ltd
Designer fashion limited is one of the best LEED platinum certified garment factory in Bangladesh. Designer Fashion limited was awarded LEED platinum certification on May 29, 2018. It has got 89 points out of 110 possible points. It is also known as one of the largest denim apparel manufacturers in Bangladesh with top rated washing plants. It is located in Gohailbari, Shimulia, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka.The size of this project is 369,056 sq ft. This factory has its own in-house Washing Plant. The workers of this factory can work in a way that does not put them at risk in terms of their physical, social and emotional aspects.The main purpose of this factory is to develop and maintain productive partnerships with international garment buyers, garment specialists, employees and local communities.

9. Kenpark 2
Kenpark unit 2 is a well reputed, compliant, sustainable apparel manufacturing company. It is located in the two Export Processing Zones in Chittagong. The size of this project is 180,130 sq ft. Kenpark unit 2 was awarded LEED platinum certification on December 05, 2018. It has got 88 points out of 110 possible points. Kenpark Unit 2 has now successfully Implemented the recommendation of the ISO 26000, corporate social responsibility guideline. The tangible benefits of this factory are Energy cost reductions over 30%, Carbon footprint lower over 20%, water cost saving over 60%. The company employs a growing cadre of over 15600 and has transformed since It’s modest beginning from a 7 production line manufacturer in a rented facility, to a benchmark apparel manufacturer in Bangladesh today.

10. Green Textile Limited Unit 3
Green Textile Ltd (GTL) Unit 3 is a well reputed sustainable garment manufacturing company in Bangladesh. It is a sister concern of Epic group. GTL unit 3 is situated in Nijhury Baraid Bazar, Baluka, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. It has 131,482 square foot garment manufacturing facility, which has been approved 100% complaint by the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety. This project follows the principles of the US “LEED” and the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Green Textile Limited Unit 3 has got 88 points out of 110 possible points.

Other reputable LEED Certified green garment and washing factories in Bangladesh:

Columbia Washing Plant Limited
Columbia washing plant ltd” is one of the LEED certified garment factories in Bangladesh. Columbia washing plant ltd located in Baniarchala, Memberbari, Bhabanipur, Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur-1740, Bangladesh. The size of this project is 153,528 sq ft. It has got 87 points out of 110 possible points. This factory perfectly combines strength and expertise in garment manufacturing services suitable for industry needs. It is also keeps trying to improve customer satisfaction through fashion and reliability by always putting full emphasis on quality.

Echotex Limited
Echotex is a leading Bangladesh vertical setup with facilities for knitting, dyeing, digital and screen printing, laundry and garmenting. It is a manufacturer of Ready Made Garments located in Gazipur, Bangladesh with built-up area of 5 00 000 sq. ft. This facility has highly modernised process machines to produce more with less energy. In March 2017, Echotex Ltd. gained LEED Platinum certificate from United States Green Building Council (USGBC) by scoring 86 points out of 110 possible points which made Echotex as one of the best environment friendly or green factory in the Bangladesh.

Some of green features of this factory are given below:

1. An effective storm water management by directing hardscape runoff to green area at site has been set up in this factory.
2. The factory has been implemented carbon emission free commuting practice by commuting self-powered mode to factory building.
3. Its entire roof area was provided with white paint to mitigate heat island effect by increasing reflectivity of concrete roof.. More than 30% of potable water requirement was reduced by adjusting flow rate on flush and flow fixtures.
4. District Energy Supply are used to operating energy system more effectively and efficiently.
5. The use of steam traps and condensate recovery system are mitigates thermal energy demand of garments production.
6. Echotex also uses CFC free refrigerant for space cooling application.
7. Sustainable materials purchase criteria is being followed while purchasing ongoing consumables & durable goods.
8. Mercury free illumination is being practiced at Echotex limited.

SQ Celsius Limited, Unit 2
SQ Celsius Ltd. is a sister concern of SQ Group Ltd. in Bangladesh which is one of the best Sweater Industry of the world. It’s located in Jamirdia, Valuka, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The size of this project is 251,755 sq ft. It has got 85 points out of 110 possible points. SQ brings together a diverse and talented workforce. High albedo paint has been used in the factory and the impact of the heat island on the project site has been reduced by providing a roof garden on the roof of the building.  A lot of green features implemented in this project size. It has energy efficient VAM Chiller spilt AC’s, ventilation fans with evaporative coolers, air compressor with VFD, energy efficient automatic knitting machines, and energy efficient lighting system to reduce energy consumption of the building. Smoking is strictly prohibited within the campus and within the building. Battery operated lights are provided for the workers for individual control over lighting. 81.5% of spaces have maximum daylight through installation of windows and skylights.

Kaniz Fashion Limited
Kaniz Fashion Ltd is one of the biggest exports oriented apparel producing organization in Bangladesh. It is located in 228/a Teajgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-12. The most modern technology, efficient, and dynamic management and commitment to the highest work standards is the main theme of the Kaniz Fashions Ltd for its future growth. It was established in October 1998 under the group named Group QA to produce good quality RMG product for international market. The size of this project is 146,000sq ft. It has got 84 points out of 110 possible points. Social performance is the process of managing an organization to achieve a social & environmental goal. Kaniz Garments Ltd always try to maintain it in a proper manner and conduct different types of internal and external audit time to time for measuring the social performance of the company. Kaniz Fashion Ltd’s success is due to two key factors; Innovation and Commitment. The most surprising fact about Kaniz Fashion Ltd is its world-class production cutting edge widespread across Group QA.

Genesis Washing Limited
Genesis Washing Limited is the first LEED Platinum rated Washing Plant in the world. It is a Warehouse and Distribution building with 74,760 square feet. This building is green because it has 2 green activities that achieved outcomes of water use reduction, sustainable site selection and development, responsible materials selection and waste management, enhanced indoor environmental quality, and energy efficient operations. It is located in Gazipur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. It has got 83 points out of 110 possible points. The specialties of the project are trigeneration system in the utility side, heat and condensate recovery, demand control ventilation and building management system. Rain water conservation is enhanced by the provision of Rai Water Harvesting tank and percolation pits in the site.

Genesis Fashion Limited
Genesis Fashions Ltd. one of the sister concerns of M&J Group. M&J Group is one of the biggest and the most reliable apparel manufacturer providing high quality garments to the leading fashion brands. Genesis fashion limited located in Gazipur, Bangladesh. The size of this project is 180000 sq ft. It has got LEED platinum certificate by scoring 81 points out of 110 possible points and recognized as one of the best environment friendly factory. Genesis Fashion Limited  demonstrated a sustainable, self-funded approach to coordinating training and labor market expertise and investment amongst a group of enterprises and training providers, within the framework of Bangladesh’s skills and labor policies and institutions.

The key green features implemented in the project site are given below:

1. In this project heat island effect is minimized by using high albedo paint on building & parking’s roof.
2. Treated water is reused for landscaping and flushing purposes.
3. Water efficient fixtures like Pressmatic taps and dual flush system are implemented to achieve reduction in potable water.
4. This factory uses energy efficient VRF system with Energy Recovery Wheel, energy efficient process machines, HVLS fans, and energy efficient LED & CFL lighting system to reduce energy consumption of the building.
5. Construction waste such as steel scrap and bricks are reused within the project site. Construction materials with recycled content are sourced/ manufactured/ harvested within 800 Kms.
6. Glass with high VLT, skylights and windows are installed to provide maximum daylight into the building.
7. HVLS fans are provided for enhancement of thermal comfort for the occupants.
8. Battery operated lights are provided for the workers for individual control over lighting.

Conclusion
There has been a kind of silent revolution in setting up eco-friendly industries in Bangladesh. USGBC said, “By all consideration, Bangladesh has the largest number of green garment factories in the world.” Bangladesh now has to compete with many powerful countries. Bangladesh has already taken several steps to face this challenge. These include product and market diversification, elimination of infrastructural difficulties, increased product delivery capacity, adoption of cost reduction strategies, and increased value addition through post-connection expansion. Today, the ready-made garment industry is a successful story, founded on the initiative of individuals and managed by the business skills of the entrepreneurs of the country. The ready-made garment industry has now reached such a level of importance that the economic security of the country is largely dependent on this industry today.

References:

1. Respective websites of each factory.
2. https://www.usgbc.org/
3. http://download.bgmea.com.bd/BGMEA%20Sustainability%20Report%202020.pdf
4. http://www.gbig.org/places/77/activities?page=1
5. https://bd.apparelresources.com/business-news/sustainability/14-factories-leading-green-revolution-bangladeshs-rmg-sector/
6. https://bgmea.com.bd/page/Sustainability_Environment
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design

Author of this Article:
Shamima Akter Riya
Textile Engineering College, Noakhali

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Mazharul Islam Kiron

Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.

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