The Relationship between Lean Construction and Sustainable Construction: The Positive Effects of Lean Methodology on Sustainability in Construction

Mehdi  Rezzazan; Babak Aminnejad; Alireza  Lork

Authors

Mehdi Rezzazan Department of Civil Engineering, Ki.C., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2380-5847
Babak Aminnejad Department of Civil Engineering, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8712-7466
Alireza Lork Department of Civil Engineering, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7320-3843

Keywords:

Lean Construction; Sustainable Construction; Lean Methodology; Structural Equation Modeling; Interpretive Structural Modeling; MICMAC Analysis.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between lean construction and sustainable construction and identify the lean construction dimensions and implementation factors that significantly enhance economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the Iranian construction industry. This applied quantitative study used a survey-based design involving 136 construction-industry professionals, including employers, contractors, consultants, and managers. A closed-ended questionnaire was developed from the literature and expert opinions to measure five lean construction dimensions—teamwork culture, continuous improvement, customer focus, waste elimination, and standardization—and sustainable construction. Sampling adequacy was confirmed by a Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin coefficient of 0.7039. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was conducted in SmartPLS, with bootstrapping based on 500 resamples. Measurement-model reliability and convergent validity were evaluated using factor loadings, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Interpretive structural modeling and MICMAC analysis were subsequently employed to determine the hierarchical relationships, driving power, and dependence power of the statistically significant lean factors. The structural model explained 84.5% of the variance in sustainable construction. Customer focus had a significant positive effect on sustainable construction (t = 3.224, p = 0.001), as did waste elimination (t = 2.023, p = 0.043) and standardization (t = 4.934, p < 0.001). Conversely, teamwork culture (t = 1.057, p = 0.291) and continuous improvement (t = 1.192, p = 0.234) did not demonstrate significant effects. MICMAC analysis classified flexible resources, value optimization, and visual management as key driver variables. Reducing cycle time and defined processes were linkage variables, whereas production-system optimization, work-content optimization, and project-workplace organization were dependent variables. Sustainable construction can be substantially strengthened through the systematic implementation of customer-focused practices, waste-elimination mechanisms, and standardized processes. Prioritizing flexible resource allocation, value optimization, and visual management may create the foundational conditions required for broader lean implementation and improved sustainability performance across construction projects.

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