An efficient manufacturing process is the essence of sustainability…and is by its very nature, green. In an article published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan Management Review. MIT presents two ways of thinking:
- Old Thinking: Companies have long mistakenly thought that adopting environmentally friendly processes adds costs.
- New Thinking: Green practices like recycling, reusing and reducing waste can cut costs because they make a company more efficient.
Recalling Michael Douglas' character "Gordon Gecko " in the 1987 film "Wall Street" statement that "Greed is Good", MIT Sloan's basic message is a bit of a twist- "Green is Good". Manufacturing is showing with increased frequency, that companies incorporating lean practices in manufacturing, are (by design or accident) becoming more "green". In fact a 2009 study by a research group suggested that "lean companies are embracing green objectives and transcending to green manufacturing as a natural extension of their culture of continuous waste reduction, integral to world class Lean programs." This is especially true for companies that integrate a number of proven methods e.g. ISO quality and environmental management systems, to meet environmental compliance and stakeholder needs. This is more rapidly accomplished with a dedicated corporate commitment to continual improvement, and incorporating 'triple top line' strategies to account for environmental, social and financial capital.