AEPC Partners with GBCI to Boost LEED-Certified Garment Units

To accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices within India’s apparel manufacturing sector, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Green Business Certification Institute Pvt. Ltd. (GBCI). The strategic partnership aims to significantly increase the number of LEED-certified garment factories in India by promoting energy efficiency, optimal water and waste management, and advanced monitoring technologies in factory environments.

The MoU was officially signed between Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC, and Shri Gopalakrishnan P, Managing Director of GBCI for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The agreement focuses on facilitating green building practices through knowledge exchange and awareness campaigns.

AEPC Chairman Shri Sudhir Sekhri highlighted the relevance of this initiative, stating, “The Indian garment industry is becoming increasingly aligned with sustainable manufacturing practices. LEED certification is an internationally recognized indicator of reduced resource consumption, lower carbon emissions, and healthier workplace environments. It also leads to operational cost savings, increases asset value, and enhances investor confidence. We foresee a growing number of garment units adopting this certification.”

Currently, India has only 13 LEED-certified garment factories, significantly fewer compared to approximately 250 in Bangladesh. Secretary General Thakur emphasized the need for swift action to align with international sustainability benchmarks, especially as global brands continue to prioritize environmentally responsible sourcing.

GBCI’s regional head, Shri Gopalakrishnan P, noted that the institute provides local support for sustainability project implementation and certification, enabling Indian manufacturers to meet global green building standards. GBCI plays a vital role in facilitating environmentally conscious urban development in India and is widely regarded as a leader in sustainability certification and performance recognition.

This collaboration supports AEPC’s broader mission of enhancing the competitiveness and global positioning of India’s apparel industry through sustainability, social accountability, transparency, and ESG compliance. Through this MoU, both organizations aim to share information, promote research, distribute technical literature, and raise awareness of sustainable manufacturing standards.