Lean Construction and LEED certification: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The growing population directly impacts waste generation and, consequently, the environment. In this context, Lean-Green practice emerges from the connection between lean construction practices and sustainable concepts in certification programs in an attempt to implement the efficient use of available resources. Thus, this study aims to understand the relationship between Lean Construction (LC) and LEED certification. A systematic literature review was carried out on EBSCO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. In total, 30 articles were identified initially, but only 12 were selected for critical reading and analysis. As a result, the main synergy between both approaches were the existing relationships between principles of the construction system and certification categories were identified. Regarding benefits, we identified: improvements in management at the construction site and cost reduction and improvement in logistics of materials. Differences were also identified in final objective of each approach - LEED certification focuses on sustainability whilst LC on reducing costs and waste in the execution of the work; this difference is seen as a barrier to the connection between the studied approaches.