MoU Signed to Boost LEED-Certified Garment Factories in India
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Green Business Certification Institute Pvt Ltd (GBCI) to promote sustainable practices in India’s garment manufacturing sector. The main objective is to increase the number of garment factories certified under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) — a globally recognized standard for green buildings.
The MoU was signed by Gopalakrishnan P, Managing Director of GBCI Asia Pacific and Middle East, and Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC.
Why This MoU Matters
Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of AEPC, highlighted that India’s garment industry is now more focused than ever on adopting environmentally responsible practices. He pointed out that LEED certification not only improves air quality and reduces a factory’s carbon footprint and resource usage, but also:
- Increases property value
- Reduces operational costs
- Builds investor confidence
India vs Bangladesh in LEED Certification
LEED certified garment factories in India: According to Mithileshwar Thakur, India currently has only 13 LEED-certified garment factories, while Bangladesh has around 250. This reflects a significant gap and a major opportunity for India to catch up and become more competitive globally in sustainable apparel manufacturing.
What LEED Certification Means
LEED is a globally respected rating system that measures a building’s environmental performance. A LEED-certified garment factory demonstrates:
- Efficient energy and water use
- Responsible waste management
- Healthier and safer indoor environments
- Long-term cost savings
Role of GBCI
LEED certified garment factories in India: Gopalakrishnan P explained that GBCI India offers on-ground support to regional green building projects. With this MoU, GBCI is set to offer complete certification and verification services for sustainability efforts within India’s apparel sector.
Areas of Cooperation
The partnership between AEPC and GBCI will focus on:
- Sharing knowledge and exchanging information
- Promoting research and technical publications
- Developing practical technical guides
- Raising awareness among garment manufacturers
This agreement marks a key step forward for India’s garment industry, aligning it with global environmental standards and helping it move toward a more sustainable future.
