Climate Change Mitigation: Application of Management Production Philosophies for Energy Saving in Industrial Processes

Angels Niñerola, Ramon Ferrer-Rullan and Antoni Vidal-Suñé ()
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Angels Niñerola: Business Management Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain
Ramon Ferrer-Rullan: Ferrer & Asociados, 43202 Reus, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: Climate change is a fact. Global warming of the planet is a result of the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the cause of serious sustainability issues. The objective of this article is to highlight the potential of the Six Sigma methodology to reduce energy consumption in the productive sphere, with consequential reductions in pollutant emissions. We present a systematic literature review that highlights the increasing interest from academics and practitioners in using quality management philosophies for addressing sustainability issues. From the analysis carried out, it is clear that Lean is being used in this regard but the potential of Six Sigma is not being exploited. Taking advantage of the best of both approaches (Lean Six Sigma) can contribute to reducing energy consumption in industrial processes and contribute to mitigating the impacts of those processes on climate change. Moreover, through keyword analysis, we found that the three dimensions of sustainability are currently gaining importance in the literature, when previously only the economic pillar was relevant. Finally, we raise some questions for reflection for academics but also for practitioners, as the problem is a global problem that should be faced by all the community.

Keywords: Six Sigma; Lean; operational excellence; process improvement; climate change; energy saving; sustainability; literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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