MENU
back
en
The Metrics from the Ground Up Conference 2025, a flagship event by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) under the Aspen Institute, was held in Nairobi, Kenya from 6–8 May 2025, focusing on shaping the future of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) through participatory methods, AI-driven insights, and ESG metrics. Since its inception in 2009, the conference has served as a global platform for promoting innovative approaches to impact measurement. As a key enabler of the green transition in Bangladesh’s ready-made garments (RMG) sector, the PROGRESS project presented its work in advancing carbon accounting and environmental sustainability. The project demonstrated its potential to develop a scalable framework that could be adopted by various stakeholders, including RMG manufacturers and development practitioners.
On 6 May, the PROGRESS project shared its journey in supporting Bangladesh’s RMG sector in tracking carbon emissions. The session highlighted the project’s milestones—from its initial support for factories in measuring carbon footprints to ongoing efforts in data monitoring and the development of a robust tracking system. A key highlight was the introduction of the project’s prototype ESG platform, designed to streamline environmental, social, and governance data collection.
The presentation drew an audience of around 35 participants, including private sector actors such as the IKEA Foundation and Builders Vision. It emphasised the necessity of carbon accounting in the RMG sector and outlined the methodology used by PROGRESS to support garment manufacturers. The session concluded with a powerful insight: if adopted industry-wide, this roadmap could help reduce up to 12 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030, without compromising profitability—a transformative step towards a greener, more resilient future.
Following the presentation, a collaborative case study session invited attendees to share ideas on strengthening the project's Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM) framework, particularly in addressing challenges related to operational efficiency and waste reduction.
The project is jointly financed by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland. The project envisions transforming Bangladesh's RMG sector into an inclusive, environmentally responsible, and competitive industry. Its dual focus is to improve the technical skills and productivity of workers, with 60% being women, to elevate their income, job security, and retention, while also enhancing the productivity, environmental, and social compliance of small and medium factories to create safer and more decent employment opportunities.