Lean eco-efficient innovation in operations through the maintenance organisation

Lean production systems dominate supply chain operations and are being enhanced through eco-efficient practices to further reduce waste and work towards sustainability. There have been advances in eco-efficiency through the reduction in energy, water and other resource consumption. Thus, wider sustainability programmes have improved the social and eco-efficiency performance in previously lean operations. Whilst eco-efficiency programmes have enhanced lean supply chains, they have usually been separate rather than integral to day-to-day innovation. Operational metrics deployed typically favour cost, quality and delivery with eco-efficiency being progressed as separate projects. In contrast, the organisation of maintenance to contribute to the sustainability dimension of innovation in supply chain operations is absent in theory and practice despite its inherently complementary role to maintain and enhance the performance of assets. Introducing innovation-led lean activity through maintenance to enhance eco-efficiency offers opportunities for new practices and technology. This paper considers current literature and presents the evolution of an energy efficiency programme into a programme across 11 sites in a lean supply chain supported by maintenance. The novelty is a framework showing how to embed eco-efficiency innovativeness into innovation-led lean operations through maintenance, overcome barriers to implementation and support others through a community of experts.