GREENING THE VALUE STREAM: TOWARDS AN ENVIRONMENTAL INDEX

Lean is all about the removal of waste. Typically, waste is considered that which is non-value added. Lean takes a process view and calls it a value stream (the process from the start to end product). The value stream is typically documented with a value stream map (VSM). The value stream map contains pertinent details to enable improvement. These details usually consist of a cycle time, changeover time, and number of shifts and other items of interest. A mechanism for measuring items for improvement is required for notation on this map. This paper presents a preliminary investigation into a method to calculate an environmental index for incorporation into a value stream map to increase opportunities for waste minimization.