Framework

ESG Pillars

Three pillars — Environmental, Social, and Governance — form the measurement framework for Bangladesh's RMG sector ESG performance.

Environmental

Weight: 40% of composite ESG score

Measures a factory's resource consumption efficiency, emissions intensity, and investment in cleaner production. Factories with solar installations, lower energy intensity per unit, and better water efficiency score higher.

Energy Intensity

Total energy (kWh) per unit of production (pcs or kg). Lower is better.

Renewable Energy Share

Percentage of total energy from solar or other renewable sources.

GHG Emissions (Scope 1+2)

kgCO₂e per production unit. Calculated from energy inputs using Bangladesh grid emission factors.

Water Intensity

Litres of water consumed per production unit.

Waste Management

Solid waste diversion rate; wastewater treatment compliance.

Social

Weight: 30% of composite ESG score

Measures worker welfare, gender equity, safety outcomes, and labour rights compliance. With 203,000 workers across surveyed factories — 51.9% female — social metrics are central to the sector's ESG profile.

Gender Ratio

Percentage of female workers. Sector average: 51.9%.

Wage Compliance

Adherence to minimum wage regulations and timely payment.

Workplace Safety

Lost-time injury rate; safety committee presence; fire drill frequency.

Labour Rights

Freedom of association; grievance mechanism availability.

Worker Training

Hours of safety and skills training per worker per year.

Governance

Weight: 30% of composite ESG score

Measures regulatory compliance, certifications held, permit validity, and audit transparency. The compliance survey covers five regulatory domains each scored independently before rolling up to a composite.

Building Permits

Validity of trade and building licenses; renewal status.

Structural Safety

BNBC compliance; structural assessment completion.

Fire Safety

Fire extinguisher coverage; emergency exit compliance; drill records.

Electrical Safety

Wiring standards; panel labelling; earthing compliance.

Environmental Compliance

ETP operation; environmental clearance validity; chemical storage.

Certifications

GOTS, OEKO-TEX, ISO 14001, LEED and other third-party certifications held.