A framework for a green and lean supply chain: A construction project application

Abstract

Despite the increased amount of attention to developing lean and green supply chains, there is a lack of comprehensive frameworks and a shortage of information on how to integrate environmental initiatives and lean techniques into supply chain functions. This has mainly occurred as a result of four challenges: conceptual, technical, operational, and measurement. To face these challenges, a practical framework is developed for incorporating leanness and greenness across the supply chain. The green and lean supply chain (GL-SC) framework emphasizes the combined adoption of lean and green techniques to various supply chain elements and functions. Static and dynamic Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is proposed as a platform for the development and verification of the GL-SC. The focus is on maximizing the value throughout the SC through lean and green techniques. The paper concludes by setting the measures and discussing the barriers of adopting the GL-SC. The framework is set for the application in the context of construction projects.