Published on 12:00 AM, October 16, 2023

Team Group: Leading the Way Towards a Greener Future

In an era where environmental consciousness is a key driver of business decisions, Team Group has emerged as a beacon of sustainability in the apparel industry. From their commitment to eco-friendliness to their groundbreaking initiatives, this company is taking bold steps towards a greener existence. Join us as we delve into the details of Team Group's sustainability efforts and their remarkable achievements.

Championing sustainability across all phases

Team Group does not just pay lip service to sustainability; they embody it in every aspect of their operations. Their commitment extends beyond compliance to ensure good governance, workplace safety, and a positive impact on the environment. Their dedication to sustainability recently earned them the prestigious Bangladesh Innovation Award 2023 in the 'Champion in SDG Inclusion' category, a testament to their exceptional efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Below is a breakdown of how Team Group is meeting their ESG goals.

Environmentally-conscious practices

One of the standout features of Team Group's sustainability initiatives is their relentless focus on reducing the negative impact on the environment, especially climate action. Here are some of the practices they've implemented:

1. 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd.: 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd. of Team Group is the first outerwear manufacturing factory in the world that commits to the UNFCCC's (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action with a target to reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2030. 4A Yarn Dyeing reported its effort of climate action in CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) and is making a committed effort to achieve the strategic goals.

With a 300 KwP capacity solar panel in 4A Yarn Dyeing, its long-term vision is to enhance it to 7 MwP in 2030 as a group and source over 50% of the energy demand from renewable sources.

2. LEED Green Factories: Team Group currently has two LEED Green Factories: One is Platinum and another is Gold-rated, another 3 factories of Team Group have registered in USGBC to achieve the same.

3. Boiler Economiser: Waste heat from boiler stack gases is captured and transferred to the boiler feed water, saving up to 50% of the steam generated.

4. Energy-saving LED Lights: These lights are installed throughout their facilities to reduce energy consumption.

5. Solar Panels: By harnessing solar power, Team Group cuts down on pollution produced by traditional power plants.

6. Inverter Type Air Compressors: These devices improve energy efficiency.

7. Rainwater Preservation Tanks: Rainwater is collected for various uses, reducing the demand for local water supplies.

8. Water Conservation: Push-type water taps help reduce water wastage.

9. Condense Recovery System: Installed in the dyeing process, this system recovers excess steam for reuse.

10. Inverters for Washing Machines: Dramatically lowers power consumption.

11. Servo Metres: Installed in the sewing section to reduce energy waste.

12. Power Factor Improvement (PFI): Maximising electricity-carrying capacity to minimise power losses and lower electric bills.

Social development initiatives - a commitment to people

Team Group acknowledges that its people are the heart of their success. They provide a safe and healthy working environment, fostering a culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and personal development. Discrimination, harassment, and victimisation have no place in their organisation, regardless of the location or role of their employees.

As per the latest Sustainability Strategy of Team Group's 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd., by 2030, the company aims to generate 30,000 new jobs with 100% inclusive and decent work as well as 100% enterprise-based skill development. Furthermore, the company is investing hugely in building sustainable communities, as well as constantly investing in ensuring the good health and well-being of the entire workforce. As such, the company enforces a gender-equal workplace that even welcomes a large percentage of physically challenged and transgender employees.

Across all the RMG premises of the group, the workers get the facility of Fair Price Shop from where they get the daily goods of necessities on credit which is a big support for the wage earners. Apart from that the pregnant women are brought under a special nutrition program. apart from that more than 50 disabled people are working in Team Group concerns which shows its concern for all segments of the society.

Exemplary governance and goals for the future

The SDG goals, set globally by the United Nations (UN) regulations, encompass governance as well, a key factor that determines an organisation's policy and decision-making, accountability, and capacity building. Team Group, a thorough follower of these revered SDG goals, upholds governance in all sectors. To retain participation and information sharing, the company maintains a 100% transparent Digital ESG data reporting.

According to their latest Sustainability Strategy, by 2030 the company expects an 85% increase in their productivity and efficiency, as well as 100% in corporate governance, digitalisation process, and accessibility to consumers. To ensure the future is safe for all, Team Group is also steadily incorporating 100% green factories for all of its production processes.

Noteworthy CSR and employee welfare initiatives

Team Group's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its corporate walls. They have undertaken various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, demonstrating their dedication to improving lives and the environment. As a company that values its workforce, Team Group has also undertaken a number of employee welfare initiatives that serve its cause. Some of their most notable initiatives include:

1. Free Friday Clinic: Offering medical support to 12,720 families.

2. Education Support: Assisting 8,577 children in their educational journey.

3. Nutritious Food & Medical Support for Pregnant Workers: Providing essential care to over 80 women every month.

4. Flood and Winter Relief: Distributing 7,407 blankets and providing food relief to 4,607 people.

5. Employment for Disabled People: Currently, 53 disabled individuals are on their payroll.

6. COVID Support: Providing BDT 50 lacs worth of safety products and food support for 28,482 families during the pandemic.

7. Livelihood Aid: Supporting 396 freedom fighters and 2,986 families, including marriage and rehabilitation support to 20 poor families.

8. Greenery: Distributing and planting 2,00,000 trees in collaboration with Dhaka North City Corporation, promoting greenery at all factories and concerned premises, and rooftop gardening.

9. Ashroyon Prokolpo: Constructing 200 houses for slum dwellers in Tongi.

10. Empowering People with Disabilities: Currently, 53 people with disabilities are employed under Team Group.

11. Fair Price Shop-Bondhu: Offering workers subsidised rates on daily necessary consumer items.

A vision for a balanced sustainable future

As a responsible corporate entity, Team Group recognises its critical role in advancing social lives, protecting the environment, and ensuring a balanced, sustainable future for all. Their initiatives set them apart as leaders not only in the apparel industry but also as stewards of the planet and champions of social progress.

Overall, Team Group's sustainability initiatives exemplify their unwavering commitment to creating a greener, more inclusive, and socially responsible world. As consumers, employees, and global citizens, we can take inspiration from their journey towards a sustainable future, knowing that each step counts in preserving our planet for generations to come.