E109: Applying Lean Tools to Environmental and Social Challenges – Lean Global Connection 2023

In this podcast, I share the presentation I gave virtually at the Lean Global Connection on December 1, 2023. It is a free annual online event put on by the Lean Global Network (LGN). The event took place over a 24-hour period. All the presentations were recorded, and I encourage you to check out all the presentations on their YouTube channel.LGN is a “consortium of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to advancing Lean Thinking and Practice throughout the world to make things better.” They are currently comprised of 30 institutes and partners across the globe with an online community of over 300,000.In this presentation, I share my examples of how Lean tools can be applied or slightly modified to help organizations reduce their impact on the environment and help address challenges in their local community. This topic is ideal for those working at a for-profit company with sustainability goals, nonprofit organizations (NGOs), public services (education, fire, library) or in a government agency. I discuss the currest state of Lean improvements and how they differ greatly from the current problems in society. I share examples of Lean applied to better distribute food and medical supplies, and reduce water usage. I also give examples of value stream maps (VSM) focused on water usage, electricity usage and racial inequity. I share a swimlane map for providing aid to crime victims, gemba walks to reduce environmental issues and homelessness. I also show how lean has worked for deaf and Blind workers. I also share templates to help you green your 5s and kaizen events. Finally, I challenge the attendees to come up with their next experiment (modeled after Toyota Kata) to work towards a social or environmental challenge.You can watch the entire presentation (without edits) below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JJxU-n87g Links* Lean Global Connection * Presentations from Lean Global Connection 2023 * John Hamalian – LinkedIn * Brion Hurley – LinkedIn * Links mentioned in the presentation* NY Food Bank (Meals per Hour): https://www.tssc.com/projects/nfp-fbny-vid.php * AccraFab Lean and Green project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDLkUmNkO4Y * Project C.U.R.E.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIXDQAUSJD0 * VSM Example for Water Usage: * VSM for anti-racism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68txs2m9hY0 * Swimlane Map for Crime Victims: