InSPIRE: Mobilising Private Investment for Resource Efficiency in Bangladesh’s RMG Sector
The Initiative to Stimulate Private Investment for Resource Efficiency (InSPIRE) is a development programme designed to accelerate renewable energy adoption and sustainability investments in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Implemented by Swisscontact and supported by the Embassy of Sweden, the initiative works with factories, energy service providers, brands and financial institutions to overcome financial and technical barriers to green transformation. By promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, InSPIRE aims to strengthen environmental performance, improve competitiveness, and support compliance with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.
Five-Axis Transformation via InSPIRE
Data
The programme supports energy audits, feasibility assessments and monitoring systems to generate reliable data on energy consumption, emissions and resource use in factories. These insights help identify priority areas for renewable energy adoption and resource efficiency improvements, enabling evidence-based investment decisions and sector benchmarking.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
InSPIRE provides technical advisory services to garment factories, particularly small and medium enterprises, to help them design and implement renewable energy and energy-efficiency solutions. It also builds the capacity of local consultants and energy service companies, strengthening the ecosystem that supports sustainability transformation across the sector.
Technology / Machinery
The initiative promotes adoption of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient systems, such as solar power solutions, biomass-based technologies and upgraded machinery that reduce energy consumption. These interventions enable factories to lower operational emissions and improve resource productivity.
Finance
A central feature of the programme is its challenge fund mechanism, which offers performance-based grants to reduce financial risks for factories investing in green technologies. Grants can cover a portion of project costs, while factories co-finance the remainder, thereby mobilising private capital for sustainable industrial transformation.
Policy
The project engages policymakers, industry associations and development partners to address regulatory barriers and encourage enabling policies for renewable energy adoption. By aligning industry practices with national climate ambitions and international ESG standards, it contributes to a supportive environment for sustainable manufacturing.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Accelerated Renewable Energy Adoption
Factories gain access to technical expertise and financial incentives that enable them to integrate renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies into production processes.
Enhanced Competitiveness of the RMG Sector
Improved energy efficiency and sustainability performance strengthen the sector’s ability to meet global buyer expectations and environmental regulations, maintaining Bangladesh’s position in international apparel markets.
Mobilisation of Private Capital for Sustainability
By reducing investment risks and leveraging co-financing models, the programme unlocks private-sector investment in green infrastructure and resource-efficient technologies.
Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Transformation
The initiative supports a transition toward a greener and more resilient RMG sector that promotes decent jobs, gender inclusion and long-term environmental sustainability.