Green. Sustainable. Holistic. Renewable. Creating products and solutions that are kinder to the planet and its inhabitants has never been so important. So much so, that many world leaders have committed to the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. As a result, more organisations are focusing on incorporating more environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles into what they do at every step, including project management.
What is sustainability in project management?
Sustainability in project management means taking a holistic approach to project management. It considers the project’s long-term impact on the environment, society, and the economy. Furthermore, it incorporates sustainable project management principles that can identify and address potential negative impacts during the planning, execution, and closure phases of a project.Adopting sustainability in project management
Many project managers are already adopting sustainability into their practices simply by following good project management principles. Two clear examples of sustainable project management in action include; Reducing waste For example, one of the core principles of sustainable project management is to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This can be achieved by implementing sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing energy consumption, and using sustainable materials. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, project managers can help organisations save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve their overall sustainability performance. Stakeholder engagement Another important aspect of sustainable project management is stakeholder engagement. Project managers need to engage with stakeholders, including local communities, to ensure that the project aligns with their needs and values. This involves considering the project’s social and cultural impact and ensuring that it does not harm local communities or their environment.How to implement sustainability in project management
To effectively implement sustainable project management practices, project managers need to have a deep understanding of sustainability principles and best practices. Frameworks covered in project management certification, such as environmental, social, economic and administrative factors, can all be seen through a sustainability lens. Furthermore, professional development training will often focus on the trends shaping the future of the industry, which include future-proofing sustainability measures. However, transitioning from sustainability principles covered in training into real-world scenarios and practises can feel daunting. So, what are the actionable sustainability steps project managers can take on their next project to ensure that sustainability is integrated into every aspect?Seven steps to sustainable project management
- Conduct a sustainability assessment
- Set sustainability goals
- Identify sustainable practices
- Engage stakeholders
- Monitor and evaluate sustainability performance
- Incorporate sustainability into project management methodologies
- Review and revise
