3e and the Embassy of Denmark host Seminar on Renewable Energy, Energy and Water Efficiency in the Textile/Garment Industry

Dhaka, 25th April, 2017

The Energy Efficiency Engagement (3e) Secretariat in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Dhaka jointly organized a seminar titled ‘Renewable Energy, Energy and Water Efficiency in the Textile/Garment Industry’ on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Hotel Radisson Blu, Dhaka. The main focus of the seminar was to promote effective implementation of Renewable Energy, Energy and Water Efficiency in the Textile/Garment Industry in Bangladesh, create awareness among industries, share key findings and achievements of the 3e programme and showcase Danish Technological solutions to the industries.

The program started with a welcome address by Søren Robenhagen, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark who highlighted the importance of both energy and water efficiency in ensuring business sustainability and profitability. Shamim Ul Huq, President of NCCI then presented his remarks where he expressed the importance of Energy, Water and Resource efficiency in ensuring sustainable industrial growth in the long run.

A presentation was then delivered by Stephan Skare Enevoldsen , Senior DANIDA Adviser at the 3e Secretariat where he introduced the 3e project to the Delegation and participants. He explained the latest findings from energy assessments performed under the program in different industrial sectors. He shared that the 3e programme has identified energy cost savings of almost USD 7 million in 42 factories which is equivalent to an average energy savings of 21% or around USD 150,000.  Consequently, in terms of potential CO2 emissions savings, he stated that factories can reduce more than 100,000 tonnes or 18% on average. “Energy efficiency is an increasingly important tool to achieve growth for industries in light of energy shortages, rising energy prices and international demands for sustainability”, concluded Mr. Enevoldsen.

Miran Ali, Director of BGMEA shed some light on the garments industry in Bangladesh and its focus on sustainability. Among others, representatives from IFC, H&M, Bestseller and other Industry representatives also shared their experience on efficiency and sustainability.

After tea break, the Danida Business Delegation companies were introduced to the participants. They presented their technologies and services along with insights on how such solutions can be implemented in Bangladesh.

The event was formally closed with a vote of thanks by Mr. Robenhagen. The program ended with an invitation to all participants for a luncheon. A mini expo was organized after the lunch where the Danish companies displayed their technologies and B2B meetings were also organized between the Danish and Bangladeshi companies.

Around 120 attendees, primarily from relevant industrial sectors and other stakeholders along with media were present at the seminar.