A mechanism for lean and sustainability : the case of infrastructure projects in South Africa

Abstract

Stakeholders in the construction sector are placing a much stronger emphasis on the importance of attaining sustainability within the industry. While much efforts has been deployed towards attaining sustainable development through infrastructural projects, the methods used by most stakeholders for projects procurement hinders the attainment of criteria for sustainability. The proposed research will thus explore how to evolve a mechanism for promoting lean sustainable construction with infrastructure projects in South Africa. The study is primarily to assess the components of the framework required for the integrative implementation of lean and sustainability concepts in an infrastructure project. The study is qualitative in nature, based on interpretative theoretical framework that is grounded in literatures in the field of built-environment. Emergent findings indicate that a case study approach and specifically, qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) research approach provide answers to the research questions, which are domiciled in a complex socio-technical environment. The evolution of the mechanism shall focus on lean construction and sustainability methods / tools that support the elimination of wastes in work processes, work methods, work culture and materials issues, thereby promoting energy and resource efficiency. It is expected that the framework that will leads to continuous improvement in the areas of energy and resource efficiency, minimization of emission (Co2) from the built environment, improvement in stakeholders working relationships and social benefits to the community, among others.