Workshop on Promoting Just Transition, Green Energy, and Environmental Sustainability in the Bangladesh RMG Industry

This event brought together 66 participants from 61 Ready-Made Garment (RMG) factories across Bangladesh, holding mid to high-level managerial positions representing sustainability and environmental units within their respective factories. The discussions focused on experiences, challenges, and opportunities related to the Just Transition to a more environmentally friendly RMG industry in Bangladesh. Exploring the relationships between energy, environment, climate, just transition and labor rights was a key aspect of the event. The participants revisited the level of environmental sustainability and the adoption of green energy practices in the RMG sector. Stakeholders discussed their expectations and identified potential areas for collaboration to enhance environmentally friendly and sustainable energy practices in the industry.

Participants shared experiences on existing sustainability initiatives in the RMG sector. They identified key environmental issues like water and air pollution, and discussed potential solutions like switching to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Speakers highlighted the need for cleaner production, increased use of renewable energy and building climate resilience while ensuring decent work and social inclusion. They emphasized the interlinkages between environmental sustainability, climate change, labor rights and productivity. Participants evaluated the current practices in their factories related to the type of energy in use.

In the exercise presentation, participants showed awareness and understanding of the urgent need for a just transition to sustainability in the RMG sector. They identified specific policy reforms required, including incentives for renewable energy and cleaner production. Recommendations were also made for collaborative initiatives like training programs and multi-stakeholder platforms to unite key players in driving change. Ideas were provided for improving access to green finance so factories can invest in efficiency upgrades. There was recognition across the group that the RMG industry bears responsibility for spearheading sustainability efforts in Bangladesh.