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70Lean as an Enabler of SustainabilityHow operational excellence systems help companies anchor sustainability in their core business專欄文章 6（原文）Introduction: Why sustainability needs LeanSustainability has moved from being a “nice-to-have” to one of the most pressing strategic imperatives for companies. Driven by regulation such as the European Green Deal, by rising stakeholder expectations, and by increasing transparency through reporting standards, businesses are under pressure not only to define ambitious goals but also to prove concrete progress.Many companies face the same challenge: while sustainability strategies are written at corporate level, they often remain disconnected from the operational reality of plants, departments, and supply chains. Without systematic integration into daily management routines, sustainability risks becoming a side project managed by staff functions – with limited impact.Lean Management offers a powerful solution. Companies that have successfully implemented Lean excellence systems already have the structures, culture, and methods needed to make sustainability part of their DNA. Lean and Green reinforce each other: Lean provides discipline and efficiency, while Green adds new relevance and motivation. Together they create momentum for change.Daniel ReichertDaniel Reichert is Head of the Lean & Green practice at T&O Management Consulting (Germany). For more than 20 years, he has been working on and publishing about sustainability and lean management in various roles. Since 2012, he has been a driving force behind the annual Lean & Green Management Award.