Quantifying the Carbon Footprint of Lean Waste
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Abstract
The objective of this paper is to provide a method of quantifying lean wastes in terms of carbon dioxide emissions by using value stream mapping. Lean manufacturing, based on waste identification and reduction, is a growing trend in industry and a proven method of lowering costs. The environmental impact of these wastes can be quantified in a new way by treating green waste as an outcome of lean wastes. Growing environmental concerns are prompting federal government regulation of greenhouse gas or carbon dioxide emissions, as introduced in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. This bill would have a significant economic impact on manufacturing businesses. And while many carbon footprint calculators are available for citizens to quantify their own emissions, there are currently none available for manufacturing companies to use in order to accurately quantify their carbon dioxide emissions to meet impending governmental regulations.
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