An integrated approach of Lean-Green construction: Sri Lankan perspective

Abstract

Purpose Construction industry hesitates to associate Green concepts on building projects mainly due to its high initial investment cost. Even if it is economical in the long run, often the benefits are suppressed with the costs generated through non-value-adding activities in the construction process. Lean construction principles have proved to eliminate such waste while enhancing the construction process. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of the integration of Lean and Green concepts in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The fundamental principles of both Lean and Green construction were evaluated through an extensive literature survey. A qualitative approach was adopted, and thus, based on the literature findings, expert interviews were conducted with professionals having experience in both Green and Lean concepts. Furthermore, the findings were validated through experts to analyse the adaptability of the integration. Content analysis technique was utilised with NVivo software programme to analyse the findings. Findings The integration of the Green concept was found to alter the traditional application of Lean concept, considering the social and environmental aspects without limiting to economic considerations. The study revealed that the perception of the Sri Lankan stakeholders towards the application of integrated Lean-Green concept is focussed on a positive direction. As a result, the identified enablers to implementing the integrated concept supersede the barriers by confirming the appropriateness of the application in the local construction industry. Originality/value A framework was developed through the findings to guide the implementation of integrated Lean-Green application in Sri Lankan context.

The influence of industrial attitudes and behaviours in adopting sustainable construction practices

“…Lean's progress has resulted in the establishment of a new paradigm, which will invariably include an aspect of environmental sustainability. According to Pandithawatta et al, 2019, the major aim of lean construction is to give outstanding value to the client while maximising revenues through cost reduction. So, the lean construction practices helping to solve the social and environmental problems and bring value to the social and environmental sustainability (Bae & Kim, 2008).…”

“…Lean's progress has resulted in the establishment of a new paradigm, which will invariably include an aspect of environmental sustainability. According toPandithawatta et al, 2019, the major aim of lean construction is to give outstanding value to the client while maximising revenues through cost reduction.…”

Enabling lean through human capacity building: an investigation of small and medium contractors

“…Although the challenges of lean implementation in construction and solutions to overcome them have been previously explored (Shang & Pheng, 2014;Aziz & Hafez, 2013;Pérez & Costa, 2018), there is a paucity of research on lean implementation and how to overcome the barriers of lean implementation through effective management of individuals in Sri Lanka (Senaratne & Wijesiri, 2008;Pandithawatta, Zainudeen & Perera, 2019).…”

“…Tezel et al (2017) differentiated the current status and future direction of lean construction in SMCs and highlighted that the absence of implementable framework(s) focusing on individuals of the SMCs has hindered lean implementation. Although the challenges of lean implementation in construction and solutions to overcome them have been previously explored (Shang and Pheng, 2014; Aziz and Hafez, 2013; Pérez and Costa, 2018), there is a paucity of research on lean implementation and how to overcome the barriers of lean implementation through effective management of individuals in Sri Lanka (Senaratne and Wijesiri, 2008; Pandithawatta et al , 2019).…”

“…Tezel et al (2017) also noted the lack of implementable frameworks focusing on individuals of the SMCs. Sri Lankan research efforts on lean construction to date (Pandithawatta et al , 2019; Ranadewa et al , 2017; Ekanayake and Sandanayake, 2017; Senaratne and Wijesiri, 2008) have addressed this aspect either. Therefore, a lean enabling framework focusing on the Sri Lankan context and specifically for SMCs is long overdue.…”