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Opportunities and Challenges of Green-Lean: An Integrated System for Sustainable Construction

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammadsoroush Tafazzoli

    (School of Design and Construction, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 641227, USA)

  • Ehsan Mousavi

    (College of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • Sharareh Kermanshachi

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA)

Abstract

Although the two concepts of lean and sustainable construction have been developed due to different incentives, and they do not pursue the same exact goals, there exists considerable commonality between them. This paper discusses the potentials for integrating the two approaches and their practices and how the resulting synergy from combining the two methods can potentially lead to higher levels of fulfilling the individual goals of each of them. Some limitations and challenges to implementing the integrated approach are also discussed. Based on a comprehensive review of existing papers related to sustainable and lean construction topics, the commonality between the two approaches is discussed and grouped in five categories of (1) cost savings, (2) waste minimization, (3) Jobsite safety improvement, (4) reduced energy consumption, and (5) customers’ satisfaction improvement. The challenges of this integration are similarly identified and discussed in the four main categories of (1) additional initial costs to the project, (2) difficulty of providing specialized expertise, (3) contractors’ unwillingness to adopt the additional requirements, and (4) challenges to establish a high level of teamwork. Industry professionals were then interviewed to rank the elements in each of the two categories of opportunities and challenges. The results of the study highlight how future research can pursue the development of a new Green-Lean approach by investing in the communalities and meeting the challenges of this integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammadsoroush Tafazzoli & Ehsan Mousavi & Sharareh Kermanshachi, 2020. "Opportunities and Challenges of Green-Lean: An Integrated System for Sustainable Construction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:11:p:4460-:d:365421
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li, Shuquan & Wu, Xiuyu & Zhou, Yuan & Liu, Xin, 2017. "A study on the evaluation of implementation level of lean construction in two Chinese firms," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 846-851.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yunxin Chen & Dong Qiu & Xiaomin Chen, 2024. "Integrating Lean Construction with Sustainable Construction: Drivers, Dilemmas and Countermeasures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Wilson Kosasih & I Nyoman Pujawan & Putu Dana Karningsih, 2023. "Integrated Lean-Green Practices and Supply Chain Sustainability for Manufacturing SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-28, August.
    3. Kramat Hussain & Sun Huaping & Muhammad Waqas & Muzaffar Iqbal, 2025. "Drivers, Barriers and Enablers Influencing Green, Lean Six Sigma Adoption in the Construction Industry: A Developing Economy’s Perspective," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(4), pages 21582440251, November.
    4. Tamar Awad & Jesús Guardiola & David Fraíz, 2021. "Sustainable Construction: Improving Productivity through Lean Construction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-24, December.

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