Pvt sector investment key for green transformation
Private sector investment is the key for green transformation of business and enterprises in the country to puts emphasis on the use of renewable energy sources and green areas for the sustainable future, speakers said at a conference.
"The majo rity of investment must come from the private sector to focus on environmental friendly business practices in order to protect the environment by curbing carbon emissions for sustainable development of the country," said Dr Atiur Rahman, former governor of Bangladesh Bank.
He said this while speaking at green development conference 2018 held at KI B complex organized by NeoSTAR Innovation in association with Abdul Monem Economic zone, BRAC Bank, Christian Aid and Rahimafrooz Renewable energy yesterday.
He said, "It is essential to make parallel the finance system with sustainable development strategy of the country so that private sector investors have access to required finance." "Long term benefits of going green will include th e opportunities for increased employment through innovation, energy security and industrial efficiency, reduction in the vulnerability of poor people to the adverse effects of climate change, smart cities and economic zones," he said.
He further said, "To promote eco-friendly activities through green financing strategy Bangladesh Bank reveled policy support and created a Tk 200 crore fund in order to support green projects trough commercial banks and another fund of $200 million has been created to transform the readymade garments (RMG) and Leather industry into green factories."
He mentioned, "We particularly want to point out the introduction of green factories in the readymade garments sector. Some owners in RMG sector have established eco friendly factories despite challenges to produce cloths for global clients. Proper policy support and right incentives from the government will foster the growth of this kind of green factories."
"Since 2012, 67 Bangladeshi RMG factories have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Of them 13 have been rated platinum, 20 gold and five silver and 100 more factories are undergoing green," he noted.
He said, "The SDG and Paris Climate agreement have given a new context for adoption of green growth strategy. Technologies are developing in waves leading to generation of cost effectives green energy."
In his remarks, Mikaek Hemniti Winther, Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh said, "Bangladesh and Denmark have similarities in lacking natural resources. So we have to develop a new system for green growth and need to be cautious about using energy."
He said, "Business and enterprises should go green and have strategies to protect environmental issues. Some Danish company is working with Bangladesh for green development and more companies will come to work with."
He further said, "Technology is the key for green development and it will accelerate economic growth curbing energy consumption. Last 10 years, Denmark has seen economic development, environmental growth going through use of technology."
He further said, "Policy is a must for green revelation as it is shows the paths and creates a level playing field for businesses."Siddique Zobair, Member of Sustainable And Renewable Energy Development Authority (S REDA), said, "Net metering policy is in the making and many companies of the country is very keen to develop rooftop solar energy."
"More than 400 megawatt energy could be generated in two or three years if rooftop solar energy project started working properly ," He added. Faruque Hassan, Senior Vice president of BGMEA, Edward Apurba Singha, CEO of NeoSTAR Innovation also spoke at the conference.
Source: https://dailyasianage.com