NHT Fashion (Pacific Group)
2014
Chittagong, Bangladesh
Design & Project Management
The garment sector in Bangladesh is the second-largest in the world, and is the country’s highest export earner. However, the sector has been plagued by a number of problems, including fires and collapses. The new NHT factory is one of a number of factories that are setting a new standard for safety and sustainability in the Bangladeshi garment industry.
The NHT factory is located in the Chittagong Export Processing Zone (EPZ), which is the business capital of Bangladesh. The factory is being built by MDM Architects, who have incorporated a number of specialized design features into the building. These features include:
A steel structure with 8 floors plus basement, each with 4,000 square meters of floor space.
Lots of natural light, ventilation, and shading to minimize heat transmission to the work areas.
LED tube lights for lighting, which minimizes fire risks and overheating.
Rainwater harvesting from the roof to be used in addition to treated groundwater for washing garments, cars, and flushing toilets.
A roof with shade and planting to keep the building cool and provide workers with rest and respite space.
Low-maintenance plantation and minimized paved areas to reduce the heat island effect.
Onsite power generation capacity using a gas-fired generator with a cogeneration kit, which will increase the generator’s efficiency and reduce emissions.
Ten percent of the onsite generation capacity will be generated from solar panels.
Mechanisms to reduce, reuse, and recycle water, such as using rinse cycle water in the wash cycle and using wash cycle water to flush toilets.
Low-flush toilets that are monitored for leaks as part of a routine maintenance program.
International standard of fire safety, with a sprinkler system throughout the building, five separate staircases for quick evacuation, and intumescent paint on the steel members to ensure the right fire rating.
Bicycle storage for workers who wish to cycle to work.
These design features make the NHT factory a world-class manufacturing facility that meets the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
In addition to the design features mentioned above, the NHT factory will also have a number of other features that will make it a model for sustainable manufacturing. These features include:
A green roof that will help to insulate the building and reduce energy consumption.
A rainwater harvesting system that will collect rainwater for use in the factory.
A waste water treatment plant that will treat wastewater from the factory before it is released into the environment.
A solar panel array that will generate electricity for the factory.
The NHT factory is significant investments in the future of the Bangladeshi garment industry. The factory’s design features and sustainable practices will help to ensure that it is a safe and efficient workplace for its employees, and that it has a minimal impact on the environment.