Push for more renewable energy use in RMG sector

Achieving energy efficiency through the increased use of renewable sources is vital for the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector to make it more competitive in the international market, speakers at an industry consultation workshop said on Monday.

To this end, establishing strategic collaboration among the stakeholders, such as brands, lenders, technology providers, and donors, is also vital to drive sustainable solutions, they added.

They made the remarks at the workshop titled "Supporting Bangladesh's RMG Sector in Green Energy Transition" and organised by the Initiative to Stimulate Private Investment for Resource Efficiency (InSPIRE), a challenge fund programme implemented by Swisscontact with support from the Embassy of Sweden, at a hotel in the capital.

Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation at the embassy Maria Stridsman, Team Leader of InSPIRE Bidowra Tahmin Khan, and Senior Programme Officer at the embassy Ikramul H Sohel spoke on the occasion, among others.

Nearly 80 professionals from different sectors, including local and international brands, academia, and bank and non-bank financial institutions, joined the workshop.

Maria Stridsman said InSPIRE was launched in February this year to support RMG makers to their transition to green energy efficiency.

Comparing InSPIRE with a baby, she said it was resilient and did not demand much food or water.

"But to be successful, she requires openness, innovation, and collaboration," she said.

Underscoring the importance of transformation in energy efficiency, she further said it would have far-reaching impacts on Bangladesh's economy, environment, and social development.

"The transformation that you are already (going through), some of you are doing and some about to do, that is really needed to maintain Bangladesh's competitive position in the world," she told participants.

Making a keynote presentation, Bidowra Tahmin Khan said the fund would be provided as grant to the eligible applicants upon meeting different requirements.

The money would be made available in instalments upon achieving milestones, she added.

Following her presentation, participants enquired about different aspects of the fund and how to access to it and comply with different requirements.

To be implemented between 2025 and 2028, InSPIRE is a four-year initiative designed to accelerate the green transformation of Bangladesh's RMG sector, specifically targeting small and medium factories.

The project seeks to drive the adoption of energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions, aligning the factories with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

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