Out of the 26 industrial establishments in the world which are ranked in the top ten eco-friendly industries, 14 are Bangladeshi garment factories. Besides, there are 3 factories in India and 2 in Taiwan. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Poland, Mexico, UAE, Italy, Indonesia and Ireland have one factory each in the top ten.
The garment and textile sector of Bangladesh has reached a unique height with the establishment of eco-friendly factories. New feathers are being added to that success. The latest addition to that 14 of the 26 industrial establishments in the world that are ranked in the top ten eco-friendly factories are in Bangladesh. Besides, there are 3 factories in India and 2 in Taiwan. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Poland, Mexico, UAE, Italy, Indonesia and Ireland have one factory each in the top ten.
Sajjadur Rahman Mridha, an entrepreneur in the garment industry, started the journey of the first eco-friendly factory in Bangladesh in 2012. He set up a vintage denim studio at Ishwardi EPZ in Pabna. Centuries of eco-friendly garment factories and textile mills have already taken place along the path shown by him. Specifically, 125.
Sajjadur Rahman Mridha, an entrepreneur in the garment industry, started the journey of the first eco-friendly factory in Bangladesh in 2012. He set up a vintage denim studio at Ishwardi EPZ in Pabna. Centuries of eco-friendly garment factories and textile mills have already taken place along the path shown by him. Specifically, 125. Apart from that, there are also eco-friendly factories for manufacturing shipyards, shoes and electronic products. There are also commercial buildings. However, Bangladesh is currently the most environmentally friendly garment and textile mill than any other country. It has already been said that they are not of quality.
Several organizations around the world have certificates of eco-friendly installation. One of them is the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The company has a certificate of eco-friendly installation called 'Lead'. The full form of Lead is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. 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.
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USGBC was established in 1993. Under the company, factories as well as commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, houses, sales outlets, prayer centers, etc. can be built as eco-friendly facilities. In November last year, the number of commercial establishments with lead certificates exceeded one lakh. There are total 110 points for fulfilling 9 conditions for lead certificate. If it is above 60 points, it is 'Lead Platinum', if it is above 60-69, it is 'Lead Glod', if it is 50-59, it is 'Lead Silver' and if it is 40-49, it is 'Lead Certified'.
Of the 26 industrial establishments in the top ten, 15 are Bangladeshi factories. Remy Holdings was the eco-friendly factory that got the most points before May 26, 2016.
Eco-friendly installations in Bangladesh have been certified under USGBC. As of last September 6, 144 installations in Bangladesh have received lead certificates. Among them, Lead Platinum 41, Glod 6, Silver 14 and 2 certified certificates have been received. Of the 144 certified establishments, 125 are in the garment and textile sector.
According to the Research, Development and Trade Information (RDTI) Cell of BGMEA, an association of garment industry owners, citing the USGB, 14 out of the 26 eco-friendly industrial establishments are in Bangladesh. Remy Holdings was the eco-friendly factory that got the most points before May 26, 2016.
Currently, Indonesia's PT Ungran Sari Garments Pringapas 6 & 8 is at the top with 101 out of 110 points. Remy Holdings of Bitpi Group of Bangladesh is in the second top position with 98 points. The use of sunlight in the workplace, rain water conservation, saving electricity and gas, indoor and outdoor use of trees and sophisticated equipment to reduce the physical labor of the workers to the maximum efficiency এই all these have given the highest number to this factory of Adamji EPZ in Narayanganj. Tarasima Apparels, another factory of Bitpi Group, is in the third position with 93 points.
It is a great thing to have 14 factories in Bangladesh in the top 10 eco-friendly industries in the world. But until the country is branded as an eco-friendly factory, its garment industry will not benefit.
Fazlul Haque is the managing director of Plummy Fashions
Fourth is Plummy Fashions of Bangladesh and Branddix Apparel of Sri Lanka. Both of them have 92 points. Plummy Fashions started its journey in 2015 in North Narsinghpur of Kashipur Union of Narayanganj Sadar Upazila. The main factory of Plummy has been set up leaving 82% of 21 bighas of land open. Adequate amount of sunlight penetrates due to the transparent glass around the two-storey factory. He needs less electric light. Multiple reservoirs have been constructed underground to retain rain water. In addition to using that water, water-efficient faucets have been installed in the bathroom. Due to these reasons, the use of electricity and water in the factory is less than 40 percent. Plummy Fashions is the world's first eco-friendly garment factory.
When asked, Fazlul Haque, managing director of Plummy Fashions, told Prothom Alo that it is a great thing to have 14 factories in Bangladesh among the top 10 environmentally friendly industries in the world. But until the country is branded as an eco-friendly factory, its garment industry will not benefit.