Lean construction is the creation of value through the elimination of waste. Originally derived from the Toyota Production System, lean construction has borrowed and adapted various concepts, systems and tools from lean manufacturing. Lean construction aims to increase efficiency and productivity leading to profitability, all whilst adding value for the customer. The original five principles of lean are value creation, reduction of waste, identification of value streams, improvement of flow and pull.

Lean construction thinking requires a holistic approach to generating value and reducing waste and has always been complimented by construction supply chain theory and practice. Various other concepts, methods and tools have been considered in more recent years such as integrated project delivery and Building Information Modelling.

Over the last two decades lean construction has evolved and industry and academia have developed and refined approaches.

This collection contains informative resources related to various aspects of lean construction and is part of a Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) project, funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council. Additional resources related to this collection are available through the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC).

Collection Adviser: Professor Kerry London, Western Sydney University