Lean and green have moved from a trend to a business imperative to improve the supply chain. This research aims to focus on providing the basic mechanisms for a lean-green business model implementation. Based on standardized management business models, several {"}near common{"} categories were defined as key criteria for lean-green supply chain implementation including leadership, people, strategic planning, stakeholders, processes and results. The fundamental research question is how lean-green supply chain can be integrated in and compatible, using initiatives that support both, a lean and a green approach, in all selected categories. To attain the paper objective, in a first stage, a conceptual framework was proposed to define the lean-green initiatives. In a second stage, multiple case studies in automotive supply chain were performed to test qualitatively the validity of the proposed conceptual framework, testing how these initiatives are being implemented in real world. From the case study, a model is suggested, which involves a roadmap to achieve a successful lean-green implementation. The proposed model can be the basis for further research in lean-green supply chain contributing to understand in which moment the lean and green initiatives should be relevant.

Going lean and green is a trend that identifies new business opportunities for organizational improvement and for competitiveness. Besides, there are quality awards to assist organizations to improve their performance among them the Shingo Prize, the Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award, the European Foundation for Quality Management. The aim of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for lean and green business organizations. To attain the paper objective in a first stage a comparison between quality awards is developed to provide a comprehensive understanding of each framework and to explore how they assist to modeling a lean and green organization. After defining lean and green management approaches, it seeks to cross-reference between the awards frameworks and lean and green culture; a number of assessment guidelines and criteria were designed to connect and integrate lean and green principles and tools. It is proposed seven different criteria and respective criterion score to assess a lean-green business organization.

Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus is a marine bacterium widespread in the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean, and growing at temperate temperatures. This bacterium can perform complete denitrification, reducing nitrate to molecular nitrogen under anaerobic conditions. Here the nitrite concentration, pH and nitrous oxide reductase activity was monitored during bacterial growth, showing that this bacterium can also perform complete denitrification under low oxygen tension, using lactate as carbon source, in the presence of nitrate as alternative electron acceptor. Nitrous oxide reductase activity was observed after 7 h of growth under low oxygen tensions, and is maintained constant after 48h. Nitrite concentration reaches its maximum at mid-exponential phase and in the stationary phase, at lower oxygen tensions is almost non-existent.

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.