Pandithawatta, T P W S I; Zainudeen, N and Perera, C S R (2020) An integrated approach of lean-green construction: Sri Lankan perspective. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 10(2), pp. 200-214. ISSN 2044-124X
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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | flow activity elimination; green concept; green construction; integrated lean-green; lean concept; lean construction |
| Index terms: | lean construction, integrated approach, interview, qualitative approach, content analysis, survey, programme, integration, construction process, methodology, adaptability, non-value-adding activity, implementation, construction industry |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, user focus, data collection methods, building construction, project controls, organizational analysis, industry analysis, research methods, management |
| Topics: | Site Management, Organizational Design, Time Control, Design Practice, Procurement, Business Strategy, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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