The University of Oklahoma Lean Institute will officially launch its new Lean and Green training program for Oklahoma businesses in fall 2010. Lean and Green teaches organizations how to identify and eliminate environmental waste from their own operations through three intensive days of training spread over 10 to 12 weeks. Visit www.lean.ou.edu to learn more!
Between class sessions, participants work on a real-world improvement project at their business, under the guidance of the instructor. By the end of the training, participants not only have enhanced green job skills and a certificate from OU, but they have also made measurable improvements in their business. This program is funded as part of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s "Oklahoma Green Project," making it free to participating businesses, and is applicable to businesses from all fields. There will be training locations set up as needed at locations across the state.
The Lean Institute conducted a test of the Lean and Green curriculum in partnership with the City of Norman in Spring 2010. Six students drawn from the operating staff of the city's water treatment and wastewater plants produced projects outlining cost effective ways that they could eliminate roughly $105,000 annually in energy waste, chemical usage, and excess material transportation from their operations with very reasonable ROIs. Their projects are now being implemented at their facilities.
This training is a great tool to not only make Oklahoma businesses greener, but to make them stronger and more competitive as well. The Lean Institute is currently recruiting businesses from across the state who would like to take part in this program over the next three years.
To learn more or sign up to participate in this program, visit www.lean.ou.edu or contact Dr. Marc Jensen at 405-325-9135 or marc.jensen@ou.edu.
