Assessing the Effect of Lean Construction on Environmental Sustainability using System Dynamics (SD) Approach

Abstract

The increasing global consternation on the environment has created an auxiliary challenge for the construction industry. Most of the activities in construction sector results in huge number of wastes and emissions which are negatively affecting the environment. On the other hand, the environmental sustainability requires the efficient resource use by minimizing waste, reducing emissions and pollution, while encouraging the energy efficiency. In parallel, the lean construction which relies on the principle of eliminating waste is found to be a potential solution to address these issues. The aim of this research is to assess the effects of lean construction on environmental sustainability by classifying the links between them using a system dynamics approach. The study deciphers the impact of lean construction on some environmental parameters such as material usage, carbon emissions, pollution, energy consumption etc. This research provides perceptions into useful and complex causal relationships between lean construction and the environment. The system thinking approach is used to decode these relationships. A system dynamics model is suggested using the system dynamics modelling technique for the consolidation of lean construction and environmental sustainability. The research includes identification of effects of lean construction on environmental sustainability from literature incorporating industry opinion through preliminary survey. The detailed questionnaire survey was used to determine causality among variables that resulted into development of causal loop diagram (CLD). The CLD was used to develop the system dynamics model. The knowledge incorporated in this paper will inspire the implementation of lean construction, obtaining broader advantages from the perspective of environmental sustainability.