Designing a Lean and Green framework for the reduction of GHG emissions in the South African manufacturing industry

Abstract

Lean and Green is a hybrid philosophy that combines the operational efficiencies of Lean with the environmental consciousness instilled by Green philosophy. However, the South African manufacturing industry experiences challenges in addressing their GHG emissions. Therefore, this study aims to conceptualise and guide GHG reduction using Lean and Green. This is achieved by designing a Lean and Green framework for GHG reduction in the South African manufacturing industry. Within the paradigm of design science research (DSR), a qualitative systematic literature review (SLR) and applied thematic analysis (ATA) were used to code quotations (design elements) from various literature sources in Atlas.ti. From these elements, five themes were categorised and used to create a literature-based conceptual Lean and Green framework. Deployment of design science research and surveys, built-in verification and validation further developed the framework to increase relevance to the South African manufacturing industry. Finally, this study presents a Lean and Green GHG reduction framework for the South African manufacturing industry. This framework provides researchers and practitioners with the essential elements and themes for achieving GHG reduction within the Lean and Green paradigm.