STOCKS | Bangladesh Garment Factories Could Recover Cooling Upgrades in Four Years

A new study from Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute found that Bangladesh garment factories could recover investments in roof insulation, reflective coatings, and improved ventilation within four years. According to Sina Finance, the study said heat stress caused an average annual revenue loss of 4.1% at the factories surveyed. The research said rising factory temperatures and humidity speed up worker fatigue, increase required breaks, and reduce output per hour, while also affecting equipment operation, quality control, and delivery stability. It added that the average loss translates into a persistent hidden operating cost even when factories do not shut down. The study also said the number of days when Dhaka’s annual average high temperature exceeded 35 degrees Celsius rose to 51.2 days in 2020-2024 from 32.8 days in 2005-2009, an increase of about 56%. The measures assessed included reflective coatings to reduce roof heat absorption, roof insulation, and better airflow and heat removal inside factories. The report said the investment case rests on avoided revenue losses, reduced production interruptions, and more stable deliveries.