Modelling lean and green: a review from business models

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine how different business models, embodied in awards, standards and frameworks, can contribute to modelling a lean and green approach for an organization and its supply chain. Design/methodology/approach - In total, 12 business models were studied. A literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of each model. After defining lean and green management paradigms, a number of guidelines were developed to connect and integrate lean and green principles. Findings - The study reveals a number of categories that are common in most business models, providing adequate conditions for a lean-green transformation. The guidelines were developed to model a lean-green organization by applying specific principles and tools of a lean and green culture. Research limitations/implications - The relationships identified within and between models reflect a partial view of a lean-green transformation. The approach adopted merges the different principles, and tends to emphasize similarities and minimize differences. Practical implications - The proposed model can be the basis for further research in lean and green paradigms, contributing to understanding when an organization and its supply chain can apply the lean and green principles and tools. Originality/value - This study is the first attempt to understand, develop and integrate a lean and green organizational culture approach, based in standardized management business models. Keywords Organizational culture, Supply chain management, Lean, Green, Modelling, Awards,