Study finds cooling investments reduce heat stress risk in Bangladesh garment factories

Researchers at Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute found that investing in cooling systems in factories in Bangladesh is commercially viable and pays back within four years. The study, which examined eight factories in Dhaka, found that high heat stress erased 4.1% of the annual revenue for these facilities on average. The report urges global brands to share the cost burden of these cooling investments with suppliers.

Climate change presents financial risks to apparel production hubs in Bangladesh. The report provides context for the scale of intervention required to mitigate heat stress, which directly impacts the revenue of manufacturers. This suggests a potential shift in supply chain costs and adaptation requirements for global brands.