Lean and Green from the Connecticut DEEP

Lean and Green has been a topic here a number of times because of its importance and synergy.

Lean manufacturing practices and sustainability are conceptually similar in that both seek to maximize organizational efficiency. Where they differ is in where the boundaries are drawn, and in how waste is defined. Sustainability expands the definition of waste to include the wider range of consequences of business actions including environmental and social consequences. Lean processes are inherently less wasteful and in this sense promoting lean processes can help organizations become more sustainable.

While doing some surfing on the web recently I came across a video that shows how the Connecticut DEEP is using Lean and Green to become more efficient.  This video caught my eye because of the application of Lean in government and the fact that it's in the state I work in. Also, the sensei in the video, Fred Shamburg, was one of my sensei's along my journey. In fact, Fred was my first introduction to combining Lean and Green for mutual benefit so it was great to see him in action.



How are you using Kaizen in your company to impact Lean and Green aspects of your business?  Share your experiences on the synergy of Lean and Green.


Note: Stay tuned to the end of the video for a "Lean Quote".