Purdue Polytechnic professor Chad Laux has been awarded the International Book of the Year Award by the International Lean Six Sigma Institute (ILSSI) for his coauthored book, "Lean Sustainability: A Pathway to a Circular Economy."
Laux collaborated with Beth Cudney (Maryville University), Sandy Furterer (Ohio State), and Gaganpreet Singh Hundal (Trine University) on the work, which integrates Lean principles with sustainability practices to address today's environmental and economic challenges.
Lean Six Sigma is a widely recognized methodology that combines “Lean” manufacturing principles (aimed at reducing waste and inefficiencies) with “Six Sigma” (a data-driven approach to minimizing defects in processes). The two systems work together to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product and service quality.
Recent years have ushered in a greater focus on Lean Six Sigma methods, especially toward the end of sustainable business practices. Lean Six Sigma strategies can be especially well adapted to the “circular economy,” a model wherein resources are continually repurposed. Such repurposing is designed to reduce a given business’ overall environmental impact.
"I’m thrilled to receive this award from ILSSI," said Laux.
"This book highlights the growing importance of integrating Lean principles with sustainability, which is more crucial now than ever. This recognition speaks to the relevance of Lean and sustainability in driving competitive business practices while ensuring they are environmentally and economically responsible."
"Lean Sustainability: A Pathway to a Circular Economy" offers a practical implementation guide for organizations across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare and services, to transition into a circular economy model. By utilizing Lean principles, the book emphasizes the ability of businesses to achieve both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The ILSSI book award recognizes outstanding contributions to the body of literature in Lean Six Sigma. Laux and his co-authors were acknowledged for their innovative work at the intersection of Lean stratrgy, sustainability, and smart technology. Their book provides a comprehensive framework for integrating sustainable practices into Lean methodologies, offering organizations a blueprint for improving both performance and environmental outcomes.
Laux and his co-authors hope that this book and future entries will be “instrumental in advancing understanding” of these principles, and reveal how they can shape a more sustainable future across a wide range of industries.
The first edition of “Lean Sustainability…” was released in late 2023, and can be purchased directly from the publisher Routledge.
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