Sreda Secretary Niaz Rahman and BGMEA Secretary Commodore (Retd) Mohammad Abdur Razzak signed the MoU on behalf of their organizations.
Under the MoU, there will be campaigns to raise awareness among the BGMEA members on energy conservation. Both parties will make coordinated efforts to mobilise investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency for reducing carbon emission, increasing competitiveness, and scaling up interventions in the garment industry. Their collaborations include the utilisation of available rooftops and vacant spaces of different garment factories to install rooftop solar systems and thus allow the garment industry to reduce energy costs within the provision of the government’s net metering guidelines.
The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), under the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 01 April 2021. Under this MoU, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Power Division will work together to ensure sustainable energy and energy efficiency in the industrial sector. There will be campaigns to raise awareness among the BGMEA members on energy conservation.
The agreement will cover capacity building of the apparel factories on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Garment manufacturers will be motivated to install rooftop solar panels on their factories and will be provided with the necessary information to achieve a green revolution.
Joint ventures will be taken up to facilitate low-cost loans for readymade garments and accelerate progress of the fast-moving industries towards sustainability.
Sreda Secretary Niaz Rahman and BGMEA Secretary Commodore (Retd) Mohammad Abdur Razzak signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations.
As the chief guest at the programme, Prime Minister’s Energy Adviser Dr Towfique-e-Elahi Chowdhury said, “Our energy sector will be benefited if we can exchange experiences and technologies with the developed nations.”
Emphasising energy conservation, he said the net metering system – a policy mechanism that allows prosumers to connect their renewable energy systems to the distribution grid – would give a relief to businessmen on power bills.
Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the government is encouraging the expansion of renewable energy.
“Strategic plans, laws and regulations are making a significant contribution to the development of the energy system,” he added.
The state minister said 48% of the total fuel is used by the industrial sector, and the use by the textile and readymade accounts for 30% of the industrial use.
“If the textile and readymade garments sector uses advanced energy efficient technology, it will require 17.6% less fuel – the savings are huge,” he noted.
BGMEA President Rubana Huq said, “We are moving towards a future where sustainability will be at the centre-point of any business. And there is no doubt that energy conservation will be at the heart of such development.”
For a green revolution, all factories must be made green, she noted. To do so, Rubana said there should be coordination among banks, financial institutions and industries.
Officials of BGMEA and Sreda are seen at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding on April 1, under which the two will work to ensure sustainable energy use in garment sector. Photo courtesy: BGMEA
PM’s Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus, Sreda Chairman Mohammad Alauddin and GIZ Country Director Angelika Fleddermann joined the programme virtually.
