Sustainability is not just a passing fad centered on consumer behavior and new energy sources; it's pushing a fundamental shift in how projects need to be approached going forward into the future.
For those just starting a career as a project manager, sustainability will soon become more than just a nicety, as it’s rapidly evolving into a core part of the job.
A recent study on the hot topic analyzed the integration of sustainability within project management, identifying key trends and gaps.
This second study we read investigated the usefulness of Sustainable Project Management (SPM) practices, and the factors driving their integration and effectiveness.
Let’s explore the sustainability trend in project management from insights garnered from this combined research and what it means for the day–to-day life of a project manager.
Sustainable Project Management (SPM) is a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closure.
The sustainability factor intentionally goes beyond simply delivering project objectives; it places a sharp focus on minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive contributions to both present and future generations.
That focus is twofold:
“Sustainability by the project," which emphasizes delivering sustainable products or services, and "sustainability of the project," which focuses on employing sustainable processes throughout the project's execution.
SPM requires project managers to consider a broad set of intentional goals, including minimizing resource use, actively involving stakeholders, and making decisions that balance economic viability with environmental and social equity.
In a nutshell - Sustainable project management ultimately strives to churn out projects that contribute to a healthier planet, a more equitable society, and long-term value creation, whether through the delivery process, the deliverables themselves, or ideally, both.
Key processes for incorporating sustainability into projects, as identified in the first study, include stakeholder management, life-cycle assessment, and decision-making.
These processes can lead to enhanced collaboration, trust, and transparency; a focus on waste management and resource efficiency; compliance with regulations; and improved decision-making that considers sustainability criteria.
However, implementing sustainable principles in project management can present several challenges.
These include planning-related challenges, with potential difficulties in integrating sustainability goals into project plans, as sustainability often requires balancing short-term deliverables with long-term environmental and social objectives.
Project-related challenges also abound, where project complexities can arise from the need to incorporate sustainable practices and can lead to delays or increased costs.
Then there are client-related challenges because your clients may have differing priorities or lack understanding of sustainability.
Finally, project team-related challenges can happen when teams may lack the necessary knowledge or motivation to reach sustainability objectives.
At the risk of oversimplification, here are a few examples of how sustainability can be woven into the fabric of your project management:
Example 1: A construction project that uses recycled materials, minimizes waste through careful planning, and implements energy-efficient building designs. The project manager uses AI-powered software to track material sourcing and waste.
Example 2: An IT project that prioritizes energy-efficient hardware, reduces e-waste through responsible disposal practices, and ensures accessibility for people with disabilities.
Example 3: A community development project that empowers local residents, promotes fair labor practices, and creates long-term economic opportunities. The PM uses their project management software to track community impact metrics.
Number one, clients are demanding it. More and more organizations, both in the public and private sectors, are prioritizing sustainability. They want to work with project managers who can help them achieve their sustainability goals and make them look good with their investors.
Second, regulations are rapidly increasing: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations, especially with regards to carbon emissions, and these regulations will only become more stringent. Project managers need to make sure their projects comply.
Beyond the business case, sustainability carries with it a profound sense of ethics and responsibility. There is a perceived moral duty to minimize the harm projects cause to the environment and to maximize their positive impact.
And finally, sustainability is rapidly becoming a competitive advantage for many roles: Project managers who understand sustainability principles and can apply them effectively will be in high demand as we move further into the future.
The first study found that while there are multiple definitions of sustainability in project management, they share common themes. These include:
The study also suggests that some definitions could be broadened to include a deeper consideration of sustainability within key project management domains, and more emphasis on organizational learning and adaptive management.
Traditionally, sustainability is understood through the lens of the Triple Bottom Line: economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The first study highlights an expansion of these pillars within the context of project management.
For example, the economic pillar expands to include stakeholder management, political and public management, engagement and innovation, economic performance, company-customer relationship management, value chain analysis, quality management, and productivity.
The social pillar of sustainability, in the context of project management, encompasses decision-making, learning, meaning-making, self-organization, trust, collaboration/communication, motivation, stress reduction, and commitment/ownership.
The environmental pillar encompasses environmental resources, legislation, environmental involvement, certifications and environmental education, sustainable consumption of environmental resources, environmental policy and management systems, and commitment, scope, and dissemination of environmental policies and criteria.
According to the research, there are various different interpretations of sustainability's role in project management.
These roles can evolve from viewing sustainability as a hindrance to seeing it as a valuable asset, and ultimately, as a core project objective that influences decision-making.
So, how useful do project managers think sustainability practices actually are when it comes to delivering successful projects?
Current research reveals a trend of limited understanding regarding the usefulness of SPM practices, highlighting a gap between literature suggestions and actual field practices.
However, it also notes a recognition among organizations and professionals of the need to embed sustainability across the entire project management lifecycle, as shown in the top 10 most useful SPM practices.
The second study's Exploratory Factor Analysis identified three critical success factors (CSFs) factors for adopting and implementing SPM practices: 'Initiation and planning,' 'Execution, monitoring, controlling and replanning,' and 'Closure.'
Both studies identify gaps and suggest directions for future research. These include exploring the broader view of sustainability in project management, defining sustainability within key project management domains, investigating the drivers and barriers to SPM adoption, and exploring SPM from the perspective of project performance principles.
The second study also highlighted the need for future research to investigate the reasons behind the limited understanding and perceived usefulness of SPM practices.
All-in-one project management tools like PSOhub and others aren't just for tracking tasks and deadlines. They can be powerful allies in sustainability efforts.
Customization is key; most of these tools allow for the creation of custom fields, workflows, and reports. This means they can be tailored to track the specific sustainability metrics relevant to a project.
Centralized information in a digital hub is another big benefit. Project management software provides a central repository for all project-related information, including sustainability data. This makes it easier to monitor progress, identify issues, and communicate with stakeholders.
These powerful tools also facilitate and organize collaboration and communication among team members, which is essential for successful sustainability implementation.
And finally, project management software can and should be used to generate reports on a project's sustainability performance, which can enhance transparency and accountability.
Sustainability is not a trend that's going away; it's the future of project management. As the world faces increasing environmental and social challenges, the demand for sustainable project management practices will only grow stronger.
Embrace sustainability, learn the principles, and develop the skills to incorporate them into your projects. You'll not only be a better project manager but also a force for positive change in the world.
It’s now time to build a better future for the planet and everyone on it, one project at a time.