Hazardous Waste > Lean and Environment

Lean and Environment - Washington

See our most recent success story at Nature's Path Foods and learn why Jyoti Stephens called the team's work "a great experience!".

Lean and Environment Final report has been updated with a 12-month review. An additional 13% in cost savings, 76% less wastewater production, 16% less energy consumption, and 14% less solid and hazardous waste generation were reported post-pilot. See the final report for more details.

Over the past several years, many Washington businesses turned to lean manufacturing techniques to improve their competitiveness.  Based on the Toyota Production System, lean identifies and eliminates wastes and non-value-added activities.  Aerospace manufacturers, cabinet-builders, hospitals, and shipbuilders—are using lean to lower costs, improve quality, and reduce lead times.

Lean can result in:

• Less inventory and more floor space
• Fewer defects and smaller lot sizes
• Elimination of unnecessary process steps
• Less lead time
• Quality improvement

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) recognizes that significant environmental benefits typically result from lean because non-value added aspects of production often translate into more energy and water use, and more waste and pollution.  When businesses consider environmental wastes and toxics in their activities, both the lean and environmental performance benefits increase.

Ecology is committed to working with Washington businesses and organizations to help lean improve our economy and environment. Through our technical assistance partnership with Washington Manufacturing Services (WMS) we helped several businesses achieve impressive results. See our case studies.

The Washington Lean and Environment Project Final Report  and its executive summary are now available.

Learn more about Ecology’s Lean and Environment Project partners, and other lean and environment resources.

Businesses and organizations who would like assistance in integrating Lean and Environment, please Contact Us for more information.