Lean Construction for the Sake of What?

Lean construction includes impactful and powerful tools and techniques.For many years, it has been recognized as a management approach that helps the construction industry become more efficient and productive.The aim of implementing Lean Construction is mainly to reduce costs and time or to increase the value achieved for the client.However, with the need for a more sustainable construction industry, this paper calls for a discussion of our underlying assumptions on what constitutes waste and value, and whether we have the proper definition of the customer.Through a literature review and analysis, the authors highlight the original focus on value and waste behind implementing Toyota Production Systems and review the IGLC body of knowledge.The authors argue that as a community, we have been too focused on reducing economic waste and delivering value to the paying customer.As a community, we need to agree what value and waste mean and for whom.We must expand the stakeholder definition to also include future generations and nature.Moreover, we should discuss our underlying reasons for investing in implementing Lean Construction.Perhaps it is time for us to discuss "Lean Construction for the sake of what"?