Bangladesh's apparel industry achieves record 36 LEED green certifications in 2025
Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector has achieved a major milestone in sustainable manufacturing, with 36 factories earning international “Green” (LEED) certifications in 2025 — the highest number awarded in a single year.
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Of these, 22 factories received the prestigious LEED Platinum status, reaffirming Bangladesh’s global leadership in eco-friendly apparel production. The certifications are granted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, which assesses buildings on energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction, indoor environmental quality, and worker well-being.
With these new certifications, Bangladesh now has a total of 268 LEED-certified garment factories, comprising 114 Platinum, 135 Gold, 15 Silver, and 4 Certified facilities — the highest concentration of green garment factories in the world.
The achievement further solidifies Bangladesh’s reputation as the global hub of sustainable garment manufacturing, with 68 of the world’s top 100 highest-rated green apparel factories now located in the country.
Industry leaders say this milestone reflects the RMG sector’s long-term commitment to sustainability, cleaner production, and compliance with global environmental standards.
The RMG sector — which accounts for over 84% of Bangladesh’s total exports, generating more than $47 billion annually — has invested heavily in renewable energy, rainwater harvesting systems, waste recycling, and green factory infrastructure. Many factories are also integrating solar power and advanced wastewater treatment plants, aligning with global buyers’ increasing focus on sustainable sourcing and carbon reduction.
Experts say this green transformation gives Bangladesh a competitive edge in the global apparel market, particularly as Western retailers and consumers demand higher environmental standards across supply chains.
Economists believe such achievements will help attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) in the textile and apparel sector while supporting the country’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
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