Bangladesh is the world’s 2^nd largest garment explorer. Due to the worldwide phenomenon of climate change and climate change, Bangladesh is trying to introduce greener alternatives in textile industry. More than 100 garment factories in Bangladesh have just accepted the "green building" certificate from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), an NGO that evaluates environmental concerns of commercial and residential settlements. A "green" building subsidizes to climate safety by reducing its carbon discharges, using renewable energy, lowering groundwater usage, using recyclable material and growing plants and trees in its premises.

There are 110 points to fulfill nine conditions of the LEED certificate. There are four levels of qualification—Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), Platinum (above 80 points). According to USGBC, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) a total of 144 facilities in the country received the LEED certificate as of 7 September, 2020. Of them, 41 were qualified as Platinum, 87 Gold, 14 Silver and 2 Certified. Of the 144, there are 125 garments and textile factories.

Entrepreneurs argue that the eco-friendly facilities generally, cost 5 to 20 % more than the traditional ones, but the profits are long term. Overall, the green factories can reduce electricity consumption by 24 to 50 per, water consumption by 40 per cent and carbon emissions by 33 to 39 per cent. The entrepreneurs consider that the higher the number of such industries in Bangladesh, the less the pressure on environment. Also, the workers will have the opportunity to work in a better environment.

Source: textilefocus.com, DW

Pic: The Aisa Foundation