An Empirical Study on Lean-Kaizen initiative in Indian Small and Medium Enterprises leading to Carbon Emission Reductions

SMEs(Small and Medium Enterprises) in manufacturing and service sector have been employing many ways to arrest climate change by reducing their carbon foot prints through various innovative processes. This paper describes through a set of Case Studies from different Industries how Indian SMEs have addressed this issue of carbon emission through Lean-Kaizen initiatives.. SMEs embracing Lean-Kaizen initiatives to reduce carbon emissions will be able to support the Government of India in achieving its target on carbon emission

Case study from different industries ranging from Forging to Food process industries including service operations are taken for evaluation. Methodologies contribute in this paper are Basic rules for Kaizen, Lean Management tools, Muda, Muri and Mura, TMB (Time Based Maintenance), and. 9 ‘waste ’in Lean

This case study leading to studies from six different industries to save carbon emissions of 1151.93 MT/annum apart from inspiring on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, both tangible and intangible outcomes. The findings submitted are only a fraction in the outcomes expected from SME in India.

There are many papers published on the carbon emissions by different authors. But this paper is focused on Lean-Kaizen initiative towards carbon emissions which is a maiden attempt.