Lean & Green Grant for Washington Manufacturers

Reduce operating costs by eliminating waste and inefficiencies with grant-supported expert guidance.

Covers a significant portion of project costs
Focused on implementation
Expect a return of 2:1 to 3:1 or more within the first year

About the Grant

The Ecology Lean & Green Grant is a partnership between Impact Washington and the Washington State Department of Ecology to help manufacturers reduce operating costs and improve operations.

This program focuses on identifying and implementing practical improvements that reduce waste (including energy and water losses), dangerous waste generation, and inefficiencies in your processes.

Unlike traditional consulting, this program supports real implementation, helping you make changes that deliver measurable results in your operation.

Why This Matters

For many manufacturers, waste and inefficiencies are an ongoing operational and financial burden. Once waste is created, it requires handling, storage, tracking, and disposal—adding cost and complexity to your operation.

Reducing waste at the source helps simplify operations, lower costs, and free up resources to focus on production and growth.

How Your Company Benefits

Participating manufacturers can expect improvements such as:

Reduced operating costs tied to waste and inefficiencies
Improved process efficiency and productivity
Lower operational burden related to waste management
More streamlined and effective operations

At its core, this program helps you reduce the sources of cost in your operation by eliminating waste and improving processes.

What’s Included

The Lean & Green program provides hands-on support to help you identify opportunities and implement improvements, including:

Manufacturing consulting and implementation support
Identification of waste and inefficiencies across operations
Process improvement and optimization
Practical, actionable solutions tailored to your facility
Support in implementing changes and tracking outcomes

This is an implementation-focused program designed to deliver real operational improvements.

Is your manufacturing facility a good fit?

This program is a strong fit for manufacturers in industries such as:

Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Chemical Manufacturing
Automotive Manufacturing and Maintenance
Aerospace Manufacturing and Maintenance
Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication
Tribal, Rural, and Underserved Communities (Pollution prevention in Indian Country and for Alaska Native Villages)

It is ideal for companies that:

Want to reduce operating costs
Have waste, inefficiencies, or process-related cost drivers
Generate waste (including dangerous waste) or have opportunities to improve efficiency
Are ready to implement changes and improve performance

What’s Expected from Participating Manufacturers

The Lean & Green Grant is designed for manufacturers ready to take action and implement meaningful improvements.

Participating companies should be prepared to:

Commit leadership support to ensure project success
Dedicate staff time to participate in the project
Collaborate with experts to identify and implement improvements
Take action on recommended changes to achieve measurable results

Projects are most successful when companies are engaged, aligned, and focused on improving operations. The first step is a simple conversation to determine if this program is a good fit for your business.

Start Reducing Costs in Your Operation

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of improvements does the program support?

The program focuses on reducing waste at the source and improving operational efficiency. This may include reducing waste (including dangerous waste), improving process flow, reducing energy and water losses, and eliminating non-value-added activities

How long does a project typically take?

Project timelines vary based on scope. Smaller projects may be completed quickly, while larger projects typically span several months with involvement from key staff.

What level of commitment is required?

Companies should expect to provide leadership support, dedicate staff time, and commit to implementing improvements identified during the project.

Do we need to generate dangerous waste to participate?

No. While many projects focus on reducing dangerous waste, the program also supports cost reduction through operational improvements and efficiency gains.

How do we get started?

The first step is a conversation to determine fit. From there, your operations and processes are reviewed and opportunities for improvement are identified.

What funding assistance is available?

For facilities that use, release, or throw away certain toxic chemicals, funds are available to cover up to 50%-80% (up to $24k) of the project consulting fees (depending on the potential environmental savings). Funds are provided by Ecology using federal grant funds provided by the EPA.