The global fashion industry is widely known for the environmental pollution throughout its supply chain. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry accounts for 10% of annual carbon emissions. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate, they will have increased by more than 50% by 2030.
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) has set a goal of reducing emissions by 45% by 2030 in order to keep global warming to 1.5° Celsius (2.7° Fahrenheit). Bangladesh, the world's second-largest exporter of ready-made garment (RMG) items, with 7.9% of the global market share, is a major contributor to pollution and carbon emissions.
However, the $45 billion industry, which employs of 4.4 million people — mostly rural women — puts significant effort into limiting its environmental impacts and carbon emissions through its green initiatives. Bangladesh has set an example of green and sustainable manufacturing over the last 15 years by establishing numerous certified green factories.
Bangladeshi apparel and textile manufacturers have established 202 "eco-friendly" factories certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the world's largest, since 2009.
According to the USGBC, a green factory, also known as a "eco-friendly" factory, is designed and equipped with design and manufacturing processes that efficiently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and energy consumption.
Green certification is a rating system that evaluates environmentally friendly initiatives such as sustainable site development, water efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and environmental conservation. It also takes into account how the company will reduce its environmental impact.