What is Lean Construction?

Lean construction is a project delivery process that uses Lean methods of maximizing stakeholder value while reducing waste by emphasizing collaboration between teams on a project. The goal of Lean construction is to increase productivity, profits, and innovation in the industry.

Construction labor efficiency/productivity has decreased while all other non-farming labor efficiency has doubled or more since the 1960s. Currently, 70% of projects are over budget and delivered late. The industry still sees about 800 deaths and thousands of injuries per year.?

The silos created around architects, engineers, general contractors, trade contractors and specialty providers have introduced significant waste into the delivery system. A lack of trust has created systems of checks, double-checks and over specification to cover legal ramifications both real and perceived.?These are the problems that Lean construction seeks to solve. Evidence from three LCI-funded research sources show that projects that implement Lean building tools and techniques have much better outcomes across a variety of benchmarks.