Purpose: The objective of this paper is to investigate how environmental improvements can be
achieved through operational practices of Lean Manufacturing.
Design/methodology/approach: A literature review was conducted to analyze the relationship
between operational practices of Lean and reduction of environmental impact in organizational
contexts. Verified theoretically, this relationship was observed in a company of the electronics
industry, through an exploratory research which contemplated a mixed approach. The adopted
research method consisted of a single case study, by providing greater depth and detail of the
study. Utilized a research protocol, validated pilot test. The instruments for data collection were
semi-structured interviews, direct observation and document analysis. The information was
examined qualitatively considering the technique for content analysis.
Findings: As a result of the study, it was found that there is evidence for the existence of
relationship between the practices of Lean, for example, Kaizen, PDCA (plan, do, check, act),
Ishikawa Diagram, Poka-Yoke, and Standardized Work, with the reduction of environmental
impacts of an organization. This reduction was observed after application of these practices that
resulted in the reduction of energy consumption and water consumption. These results were
accounted for financially, contributing to a reduction of annual costs by about US$ 17,900.
Originality/value: The study presents in detail, the application of operational practices of Lean
Manufacturing, with an effective view to reducing the environmental impact and cost reduction.
The literature review, a detailed description of the application process and financial results are
important information that contributes to the scientific studies that address traditional operating
practices and the search for better environmental performance.
