A sustainable–lean implementation methodology: a catalyst for sustainability enhancement of high-rise residential projects

Abstract

Purpose

The importance of lean and sustainability integration in sustainable construction (SC) has been extensively studied. However, a practical and thorough implementation methodology addressing the project life cycle phases is still inadequate. The present study has developed a novel phase-wise sustainable–lean implementation methodology for high-rise residential projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study has identified the 50 direct conceptual interactions between 11 lean principles and 11 sustainability criteria encompassing 44 different attributes covering 174 sustainability actions. A panel of nine experts validated these interactions, and 50 integration vectors were proposed addressing different phases of the project life cycle of high-rise residential buildings. The experts also analysed the identified integration vectors for their current and likely future implementation in high-rise residential projects.

Findings

The interactions between lean and sustainability principles led to the development of a phase-wise implementation methodology. The experts' survey responses on the current level of implementation revealed that 40, 32 and 28% of integration vectors were implemented rarely, sometimes, and frequently, respectively. For likely future implementation, 28 and 72% integration vectors were reported as very likely and extremely likely to implement, respectively. This survey response highlighted the usefulness of identified integration vectors for enhancing the sustainability of high-rise residential projects.

Originality/value

The proposed sustainable–lean implementation methodology acts as a comprehensive guideline for implementing a lean approach to achieve the objectives of SC in high-rise residential projects. This may facilitate the transition from conventional to sustainable building practices using a lean approach.

Citation

Khanapure, V.U. and Shastri, S.S. (2023), "A sustainable–lean implementation methodology: a catalyst for sustainability enhancement of high-rise residential projects", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-0951