Bajjou, M S and Chafi, A (2026) Enhancing environmental sustainability through lean construction principles: An industry-based SEM analysis. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(1), pp. 171-206. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – In the modern era, the concept of sustainability has become pervasive, permeating various sectors, including the construction industry. Driven by growing environmental concerns, construction organizations are increasingly compelled to seek operational excellence while realigning their practices towards environmental sustainability goals. Hence, this paper investigates the capability of lean construction (LC) principles in enhancing environmental performance (EP) within the construction industry using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs SEM to explore the relationship between LC components and environmental performance factors in the construction context. This methodology integrates both empirical and qualitative analyses within a structured framework to explore the relationship between LC components and EP factors in the construction context. By collecting and statistically testing data from 307 Moroccan construction companies, the study evaluates the impact of five LC principles – process transparency and standardization, continuous improvement, waste elimination, planning and scheduling and material flow and pull – on four environmental performance indicators: material use, energy consumption, non-product output and pollutant releases. Findings – The analysis reveals that, among the five LC principles – process transparency and standardization, continuous improvement, waste elimination, planning and scheduling and material flow and pull – the principles of waste elimination and planning and scheduling significantly contribute to environmental improvements. These practices were shown to impact positively four environmental performance indicators: material use, energy consumption, non-product output and pollutant releases. Originality/value – This research fills a critical gap in empirical studies on the beneficial effects of LC practices on environmental sustainability in the construction industry. It provides theoretical insights and practical recommendations for managers and practitioners to effectively implement LC principles, thereby promoting more efficient and sustainable practices, particularly in developing countries.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; environmental performance; lean construction; structural equation modeling |
| Index terms: | pollutant, environmental sustainability, methodology, practitioner, qualitative analysis, structural equation modelling, construction company, lean construction, manager, process transparency, developing country, scheduling, construction industry, testing, empirical study, standardization, energy consumption, continuous improvement, environmental concern, construction organization, environmental performance, sustainable practice |
| Subjects: | sustainable practices, industry analysis, statistical analysis, environmental health, performance measurement, management, energy systems, research design and methodology, building construction, sustainability assessment, research methods, health safety and environment, development economics, operations research, professional practice, organization, environmental issues, practitioner |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Time Control, Site Management, International Construction, Sustainability, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here