https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0164
Lean-green supply chain framework for construction using VSM and DES
Tushar Jaiswal1, Erawati Ravindra Kadam2 & Ann Francis3
1Assistant Manager, Larsen and Toubro Construction, Chennai, India, tusharjaiswal0108@gmail.2Ph.D Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India, [email protected]
3Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-0273-9883
Abstract
Construction supply chains are often affected by inefficiencies, delays, material wastage, and carbon emissions, with implications for both project performance and sustainability. Although lean and green supply chain management (GSCM) approaches have been studied extensively, evidence on their integrated, project-level application in construction remains limited, especially in developing economies. This study proposes a comprehensive framework designed to enhance operational efficiency while promoting sustainability within the construction sector by integrating Lean and GSCM. The framework integrates Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to identify and redesign inefficient processes, with VSM-based Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to quantitatively demonstrate how lean interventions translate into environmental benefits across the construction supply chain. The proposed framework is validated through a real-world case study of a water supply pipeline distribution project in India. The results demonstrate that lean-driven supply chain redesign leads to an 8% reduction in total cycle time and inventory levels, while simultaneously achieving 7% decrease in carbon emissions. The integration of VSM and simulation enables construction practitioners and project managers to evaluate the operational and environmental implications of lean supply chain redesign in advance, reducing implementation risk and supporting informed decision-making at the project level.
Keywords
Lean Construction practices, construction supply chains, green supply chain management, Value Stream Mapping, Discrete Event Simulation.
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Reference in APA 7th edition format:
Jaiswal, T., Kadam, E. R. & Francis, A.. (2026). Lean-green supply chain framework for construction using VSM and DES. In Hamzeh, F., Poshdar, M., & Garcia-Lopez,, N. P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) (pp. 449–460). https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0164
Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:
Jaiswal, T., Kadam, E. R. & Francis, A.. (2026). Lean-green supply chain framework for construction using VSM and DES. IGLC34. https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0164
Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.
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