Abstract:
Sustainability is gaining popularity in the construction industry because of the growing
concern that the industry has on the serious negative impacts of construction activities
on the environment. To achieve sustainable development through environmentally
friendly practices, such as green building practices, construction waste management
would be essential. However, the new construction philosophy lean, can be used to
overcome the environmental challenges of sustainable development. Thus, the aim of
this study was to investigate how the challenges of sustainable development could be
overcome in Sri Lanka using the principles of lean construction. The study used a
qualitative approach consisting of a literature review and 20 expert interviews.
Interview findings were analyzed manually using content analysis. Specifying value and
identifying the value stream were found to be the most suitable lean principles that can
overcome the challenges of sustainable development. The research findings also reveal
that there is an urgent requirement to practice lean principles in the construction
industry in Sri Lanka.
