Lean principles seek to eliminate waste. Corporate sustainability seeks to better utilize scarce resources. Both are fulfilled by increasing efficiency. When sustainability is approached with a lean toolkit, it drives value in manufacturing processes. Efficiency gains in a process result in the reduction of resource utilization, lower carbon footprint and reduced costs. This is supported by the directive of the Department of Energy’s Better Plants Program (Better Plants). Better Plants exists to increase the competitiveness of American manufacturing through sustainability, particularly energy reduction.

Most corporate sustainability goals focus on carbon reduction, which can be expensive, and businesses exist to make money. The lean process is driven by cost reduction. A project purchasing carbon neutral utilities is a cost that indicates a commitment to the earth. An alternative project reducing consumption of utilities by half, reduces carbon and increases profitability. The increased profitability can then be put to other carbon reducing initiatives, achieving the same outward facing goals.

Ultimately embracing a strong sustainability strategy with lean principles is good business because of the efficiencies it drives. At mdot Technologies, we are eager to collaborate with forward-thinking companies to develop innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiencies through lean manufacturing and contribute to a sustainable future.