BKMEA urges faster renewable energy adoption, decarbonisation to protect RMG exports
BKMEA Urges Faster Renewable Energy for Garment Exports
Bdbusinessdaily.com – BKMEA urges faster renewable energy adoption as Bangladesh’s garment and textile manufacturers face growing pressure to cut emissions, improve energy security and protect export competitiveness. Industry leaders say cleaner power is becoming a business necessity as overseas buyers place greater importance on sustainable production.
The issue was discussed on 7 October at the “Rapid Energy Transition Conference: Powering Security, Sustainability & Growth in Bangladesh RMG,” organised jointly by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Ethical Trading Initiative Bangladesh. The event included 71 participants, including 53 factory representatives, 10 BKMEA leaders, brand representatives, banks, energy specialists and renewable-energy service providers.
Decarbonisation must be part of factory planning
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said carbon reduction should be integrated into investment decisions and everyday factory operations. He encouraged manufacturers to use available policy support and financing opportunities to expand renewable-energy use across the ready-made garment sector.
“Carbon reduction needs to be part of every factory’s planning. Government initiatives and financing opportunities are creating scope for renewable-energy expansion. We need to use these opportunities and work together to prepare our industry for the changes ahead,” Hatem said.
He highlighted the potential for rooftop solar systems at factories, along with financing support from Bangladesh Bank and commercial lenders. BKMEA has also worked to simplify VAT and tax procedures related to solar projects for businesses.
BKMEA urges faster renewable energy adoption because solar investment can reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and make productive use of factory rooftops. Speakers also stressed that renewable power should be supported by energy-efficient machinery, stronger operational practices and regular monitoring of energy performance.
European market expectations raise the stakes
Hatem said factories must prepare for Bangladesh’s graduation from least developed country status and evolving European Union requirements. He called for closer cooperation with government authorities on approvals and permissions for energy projects.
Eng Imran Kader Turjo, a BKMEA director and managing director of Southern Knitwear Ltd, warned that Bangladesh should not fall behind while buyers increasingly consider environmental performance in sourcing decisions. Europe is a major market for Bangladeshi apparel, making sustainability compliance especially important for exporters.
“It has taken us many years to establish Europe as a major export market. If we cannot meet its evolving requirements, developing another market of that scale will also take many years,” Turjo said.
He said earlier action on decarbonisation and clean energy could help Bangladesh gain an advantage over competing garment-producing countries, including India and Pakistan. Factories that can show lower-carbon production, energy savings and reliable environmental data may be better positioned for future orders.
Energy efficiency and accountability remain essential
Other BKMEA representatives emphasised that renewable energy must be matched by practical improvements inside factories. M Ishfaq Ahsan, CIP, highlighted energy efficiency and shared responsibility between manufacturers and brands, while Mansoor Ahmed stressed energy security and reducing avoidable gas wastage.
Md Jamal Uddin Miah said solar power should be included in long-term business planning rather than treated as a temporary response to energy difficulties. He also stressed the importance of qualified vendors and ongoing checks on system performance.
BKMEA urges faster renewable energy adoption not as a standalone solution, but as part of a broader strategy combining solar power, efficient equipment, responsible energy use and credible emissions management. That approach can help factories respond to buyer expectations while strengthening their long-term resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bangladesh RMG Factories
How can a garment factory begin using renewable energy? A practical first step is to assess rooftop space, current electricity use and financing options for a solar installation. Factories should also select qualified vendors and monitor system performance after installation.
Why does decarbonisation matter for Bangladeshi apparel exports? Buyers and export markets increasingly expect manufacturers to demonstrate environmental progress. Lower-carbon production and dependable sustainability records can support buyer confidence and competitiveness.
Is solar power enough to address factory energy challenges? No. Solar can contribute to cleaner energy use, but factories also need energy-efficient equipment, reduced gas wastage, better planning and regular performance monitoring.