This report studies the relationship between lean manufacturing, environmental performance and the regulatory framework. The goal of this effort is to help public environmental agencies understand ways to better leverage lean manufacturing, existing government environmental management programs and initiatives, and regulatory requirements in the hope that even greater environmental and economic benefits will result.

• Lean Manufacturing and the Environment: Research on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and the Environment and Recommendations for Leveraging Better Environmental Performance (PDF)(68 pp, 537 K, October 2003, EPA100-R-03-005)
  report on using lean techniques to improve environmental performance