Assessing lean construction principles for reducing environmental impact and enhancing cost efficiency and productivity in earthwork operations in Vietnam

In the context of the world facing serious environmental problems, sustainable development has become an inevitable trend in the construction sector. To achieve sustainability in construction, it is essential to integrate environmentally responsible practices from the early planning stages. However, most current earthwork projects focus on improving productivity while overlooking environmental impacts. Developing methods to assess cost, productivity, and environmental aspects in an integrated way remains a major industry challenge. As part of research efforts to promote sustainability in construction, this study develops a methodology for applying Lean construction principles to simultaneously enhance cost efficiency, improve productivity, and reduce environmental impact in earthwork operations in Vietnam. The EZStrobe simulation tool was employed to model earthwork processes under realistic construction conditions, identify bottlenecks, and test Lean interventions through multiple scenarios. After validating the model, four Lean construction principles—flow production, minimization of non-value-adding activities, pull system implementation, and reduction of transported soil volume—were implemented to optimize earthmoving efficiency. The most effective Lean model resulted in significant improvements in construction performance, increasing productivity by 65.5% and reducing costs by 21.7%. Moreover, this model contributed positively to the environment by reducing fuel consumption by 21% and lowering CO₂ emissions by 12.7%. These findings emphasize the practical value of Lean construction in enhancing sustainability in earthwork, especially in developing countries where efficient resource use and environmental protection are essential. The study offers actionable insights for construction managers and policymakers seeking to implement sustainable and efficient earthwork practices in developing countries.