Lean and green: a relationship matrix

Abstract

Lean Construction is associated with the implementation and adaption of concepts and principles of the Toyota Production System in civil engineering management, its main objective is to reduce waste through process improvement, to optimize flows and increase product quality. The LEED system was created to ensure sustainability, seeking to reduce the environmental impact of construction through a rational use of existing resources. Based on these two concepts, this study aims to build a matrix of interaction between the sustainable guidelines on civil construction, considering the criteria for certification of environmental performance of buildings, and the principles of Lean Construction, to understand the complementarity between Lean and Green. This is a theoretical research, which comprises the following steps: a literature review about the principles of Lean Construction and the process of environmental certification of buildings, with emphasis on the LEED certification; and finally, the construction of an interaction matrix between Lean and Green, considering their positive direct interactions. The results of the analysis show a number of interactions between the principles of Lean and Green Construction. Among these, it stands out the search for the general elimination of waste and the addition of value to the customers, confirming the importance of this research approach.