Technical Guide: SBTN Water Methodology for RMG Factories
This guide details each step of the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) methodology for
water, tailored to Ready-Made Garment (RMG) factories in Bangladesh. Follow each section
carefully to ensure a robust, science-based approach to target setting.
5.1 Pre-engagement Preparation
Before any technical work begins, establish context and commitment with the factory.
1. Obtain Factory Profile and Commitment
Action: Contact factory management via email or letter to secure a formal commitment
to set water SBTs.
Detail: Include brand or buyer requirements (e.g., H&M, C&A water goals) to ensure
alignment.
2. Collect Baseline Data
Action: Request 12–24 months of records on:
o Water withdrawals (meter readings by source)
o Discharge volumes and ETP performance logs
o Utility bills and previous environmental audit reports
Detail: Confirm treated effluent meets Bangladesh DoE limits (e.g., BOD ≤50 mg/L).
3. Translate Materials (if required)
Action: Translate key guides, checklists, and SBTN tools into Bangla.
Detail: Ensure all technical terms (e.g., ‘environmental flow’, ‘BOD’) are accurately
conveyed.
5.2 Step 1: Contextual Screening
Determine whether water is a material topic for each factory.
1. SBTN Screening Tool
Action: Download and run SBTN Contextual Screening Tool v1.2.
Detail: Input factory coordinates and sector code (e.g., ISIC for textile manufacturing).
2. Cross-Check with Global Tools
Action: Verify results with:
o Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas: [Link]/aqueduct
o WWF Water Risk Filter: [Link]
Detail: Note metrics like baseline water stress, seasonal variability, and pollution
exposure.
3. Identify Basin and Sub-Basin
Action: Use Bangladesh WRIS ([Link]) and GIS (QGIS, Google Earth) to map
factory to its river basin and Pfafstetter sub-basin.
Detail: Record basin level (e.g., Level 4 or Level 5) to prepare for model selection in
Step 3.
5.3 Step 2: Data Collection
Gather precise water use and quality data on-site.
1. Conduct Water Audit
Action: Complete Water Audit Template, covering:
o Inventory of water sources (borewell, municipal, rainwater)
o Flow meter locations and calibration dates
o Leak detection observations
Detail: Photographically document meter installations.
2. Data Points to Collect
Water Withdrawal Volumes: m³/day by source
Water Discharge Volumes: m³/day from ETPs and direct outlets
Water Quality Parameters: 12-month average of BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, pH,
temperature, color
3. Validate Metering Systems
Action: Check calibration certificates, inspect for obstructions, and verify data logs
(SCADA or manual).
Detail: Cross-compare manual logs with digital records to detect discrepancies.
5.4 Step 3: Watershed Characterization
Build a comprehensive picture of the factory’s watershed.
1. GIS Mapping
Action: Import factory coordinates and basin shapefiles into QGIS or Google Earth.
Detail: Label upstream/downstream boundaries, key tributaries, and protected areas.
2. Surrounding Water Use & Pollution Load
Action: Map surrounding users:
o Other textile units, tanneries
o Rice mills, farms, municipal treatment plants
Detail: Note known pollution hotspots (e.g., chemical discharge from dye houses).
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Action: Interview BWDB, DoE, and local NGOs to gather:
o Existing water studies
o Community water concerns (e.g., seasonal water shortages)
Detail: Maintain a stakeholder log with names, affiliations, and key insights.
5.5 Step 4: Target Setting
Use data and context to define science-based water targets.
1. Load Data into SBTN Calculator
Action: Access SBTN Water Target Calculator and populate:
o Withdrawal volumes, discharge volumes
o Water quality inputs (BOD, COD)
Detail: Use consistent units (L, m³, mg/L).
2. Apply Thresholds
Quantity: Liters/kg, absolute basin caps, reuse percentages
Quality: Bangladesh DoE limits, ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines
3. Draft Targets
Action: Prepare targets such as:
o “30% internal water reuse by 2027”
o “BOD ≤30 mg/L in all discharges”
Detail: Validate feasibility with factory engineers and brand stakeholders.
5.6 Step 5: Action Planning
Develop a roadmap to achieve targets.
1. Technical Measures
ZLD installations, ETP optimization, rainwater harvesting
Evaluate ROI and operational impact
2. Behavioral Interventions
Worker training sessions, signage, incentive schemes
Embed water-saving practices into daily routines
3. Water Stewardship Action Plan
Action: Use Action Plan Template to capture:
o Activities, timelines, responsibilities
o Budget estimates and funding sources
Detail: Include interim milestones and review points.
5.7 Step 6: Monitoring and Verification
Track progress and ensure data integrity.
1. KPIs
L/kg fabric, % reuse, mg/L BOD
2. Monitoring Dashboard
Action: Implement GSCS Water Monitoring Excel Dashboard
Detail: Update monthly; flag deviations >10% for investigation
3. Third-Party Verification
Plan audits via Higg FEM or GSCS protocols
Include verification schedule in Water Stewardship Plan
5.8 Step 7: Communication and Reporting
Share results and lessons.
1. Reporting to Platforms
Higg FEM, CDP Water questionnaire, CEO Water Mandate
2. Annual Water Sustainability Report
Include target progress, case studies, future plans
3. Internal Knowledge Sharing
Submit lessons learned to GSCS Learning Team
Update SOPs and training materials accordingly
End of Technical Guide
This guide provides a clear, detailed roadmap for GSCS International’s technical team to assist
RMG factories in Bangladesh with science-based water target setting, fully aligned with SBTN’s
methodology.