3 types of sustainability supported by lean practices

When one thinks about sustainability in construction, it’s almost always the physical aspect of the building that comes to mind. Terms such as LEED, green building, eco-friendly and environmental footprint are used for describing the material selection, energy efficiency, water usage and waste management practices.

Although these elements address global concerns over climate change and environmental impact, there’s an increasing awareness in the construction industry that lean principles can contribute to other elements of sustainability.

So, let’s consider the physical, social and economic impacts that can all play a part in the overall sustainability of your project.

Physical sustainability

The physical aspect of sustainability primarily involves reducing the environmental footprint of construction activities. Consider the following strategies and topics:

• Energy efficiency — designing and constructing buildings that optimize energy usage through efficient insulation, lighting systems and renewable energy integration.
• Material selection —using sustainable materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled or locally sourced materials, and minimizing waste through efficient material management practices.
• Water conservation — implementing water-efficient systems and technologies, such as low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting, to minimize water consumption and reduce the strain on local water resources.
• Waste management — adopting strategies to reduce, reuse and recycle construction waste, thereby minimizing landfill contributions and promoting a circular economy.

Social sustainability

Beyond the environmental realm, social considerations play a role in construction sustainability:

• Community engagement — involving local communities in the planning and decision-making processes to ensure construction projects align with their needs and aspirations.
• Affordability and accessibility — designing buildings that are accessible to people of all abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds, cultivating inclusivity and social cohesion within communities.
• Worker well-being — prioritizing the health and safety of construction workers through adequate training, proper equipment and adherence to occupational health standards.
• Inclusivity and diversity — promoting diversity and inclusivity within the construction workforce to create equitable employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Economic sustainability

Lean construction principles offer a systematic approach to achieving economic sustainability objectives. By focusing on maximizing value while minimizing waste, these principles contribute to:

• Possible up-front cost reduction — streamlining construction processes, optimizing resource allocations and finding procurement cost efficiencies.
• Resource savings — emphasizing collaboration and communication among project stakeholders to encourage lean thinking and collective problem-solving with a focus on cost containment.
• Operating cost reduction — enabling construction teams to identify and implement ways to enhance a building’s sustainability throughout its life cycle, from conception to renovation and eventual demolition.
• High performance capability — promoting sustainability through value-based thinking by selecting construction materials and building systems that support and maximize performance. These elements contribute to reducing operating costs and extending building longevity.

Conclusion

Lean methods are widely used in the construction industry, and incorporating sustainability principles is a logical extension of these practices. By addressing the physical, social and economic aspects of sustainability, one can foresee a built environment that’s more environmentally responsible and socially equitable.

As stewards of the built environment, it’s the duty of construction professionals to embrace sustainability as a guiding principle, driving positive change for future generations. Remember, every building that’s constructed today shapes the world we inhabit tomorrow. Let’s build a sustainable future — one lean construction project at a time.

Looking for tools to implement lean practices in support of sustainability? Learn how Nialli can help.