An Investigation of Lean Concept to Reduce Construction Waste Through Improved Project Collaboration

Abstract

The construction industry remains one of the largest contributors to global waste, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and efficient project management practices. This study investigates the effectiveness of Lean Construction (LC) principles in reducing construction waste through enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, particularly in large-scale infrastructure and institutional projects. By integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the research identifies and prioritizes critical waste factors and corresponding lean techniques to guide decision-making in project execution. The study categorizes waste into flow-related, conversion-related, and management-related activities, highlighting information management, planning, and supervision as key areas for intervention. Survey data collected from 18 professionals across the Texas construction sector reveal that management and flow-related wastes are the most impactful, with information-related inefficiencies rated as the highest priority concern. The research proposes a structured framework that combines lean tools with digital innovations, such as BIM and Digital Twins, to foster collaborative environments, enhance transparency, and optimize resource use. The findings offer valuable insights for construction managers, policymakers, and contractors aiming to implement lean strategies for waste reduction, productivity improvement, and sustainable project delivery in developing and developed contexts alike.