A Systematic Literature Review on Integrative Lean and Sustainability Synergies over a Building’s Lifecycle

Adrieli Cristina Vieira De Carvalho, Ariovaldo Denis Granja and Vanessa Gomes Da Silva
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Adrieli Cristina Vieira De Carvalho: Construction Management Research Laboratory (LAGERCON), Department of Architecture and Building, School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Design, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil
Ariovaldo Denis Granja: Construction Management Research Laboratory (LAGERCON), Department of Architecture and Building, School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Design, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil
Vanessa Gomes Da Silva: Department of Architecture and Building, School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Design, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 7, 1-18

Abstract: The construction industry is increasingly moving towards the adoption of sustainable strategies and increased efficiency targets. Lean thinking (LT) aims at removing waste, increasing value, reducing costs, and improving the overall quality of products and processes. Sustainability, in turn, is concerned with the environmental, social, and economic impacts made by the construction industry. Both philosophies share efficient resource usage concerns. A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out to cover the existing primary research and characterize its evolution and setting; to discuss the available empirical evidence to identify the LT and sustainability benefits and trade-offs; and to provide a holistic setting to promote those synergies. To catalyze the synergies between LT and sustainability, this paper highlights the potential application of LT elements throughout a building’s lifecycle. Knowledge synthetized is helpful for decision-makers to understand and explore combinations of the performance-oriented LT philosophy for the provision of environmentally responsive buildings.

Keywords: lean thinking; sustainability; construction; systematic literature review; framework; lifecycle of buildings (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:7:p:1156-:d:103392

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