| Source Newsletter 2009 issue 2 |
|
 |
Go green while becoming Lean with Lean 2.0
Companies who are interested in engaging in Lean Enterprise and greening activities now have a new tool to accomplish both goals at once: Lean 2.0. This new generation of Lean has been developed and is being touted by Enterprise Minnesota, a non-profit business consulting service that specializes in tailoring solutions for companies pursuing lean business principles, business growth opportunities, and proactive employee training. Lean 2.0 is designed to help businesses streamline daily manufacturing operations using the Lean Enterprise methodology while also helping them incorporate pollution prevention, source reduction, and energy efficiency measures.
Lean 2.0 has given MnTAP the opportunity to collaborate with Enterprise Minnesota on improving manufacturers’ processes. Together, the two organizations coordinate material use and energy management assessments for a variety of manufacturing facilities. By working with Enterprise Minnesota, MnTAP is able to identify greening opportunities for each of the eight wastes identified in the Lean process: overproduction; inventory; motion; transportation; defects; overprocessing and testing; waiting; and underutilized knowledge, skills, and abilities. For example, compressed air systems can be optimized by reducing leaks and installing storage (overproduction), by eliminating inappropriate uses (transportation), and by employing new cleaning procedures (overprocessing).
Since joining forces on Lean 2.0, MnTAP and Enterprise Minnesota have worked with a variety of facilities. Typically, MnTAP and Enterprise Minnesota conduct a site visit to learn more about each facility’s manufacturing process and potential Lean and green projects. Some facilities have also engaged in a two-day workshop that best identifies which projects will have significant positive impacts on the manufacturing process and the business as a whole. Both organizations continue to work with the facilities and provide assistance regarding implementation of Lean or green projects. Some of the projects that have been suggested for process and facility improvements at manufacturers who have taken advantage of the partnership include:
- Installing a heat recovery ventilator to capture process heat for facility use
- Reusing rinse water for counter-flow process and material cleaning
- Upgrading compressed air distribution and team-managed inspection programs
- Repairing steam line insulation and installing insulation around heated tanks
In addition to the business and environmental benefits of going green and becoming lean, many of the firms participating in the joint MnTAP/Enterprise Minnesota Lean events can apply to become members of EPA’s Green Suppliers Network (GSN). Becoming part of the GSN can give you the increased visibility of being a continuously improving business entity, as well as a framework to achieve Lean and green goals.
For more information
For more information about the GSN, see www.greensuppliers.gov. A list of Enterprise Minnesota services can be found at www.enterpriseminnesota.org.
|
|
Health care facilities: to clean or to disinfect?
Fairview surgeon greens his operating room
Focus on energy in health care facilities to cut costs
Reduce lab wastes by making a few changes
Go green while becoming Lean with Lean 2.0
MnTAP Interns
Pilots result in reduced air emissions from auto body shops
Materials Exchange
Calendar
|
